Od&Dities #09

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',7,(6
THE ORIGINAL DUNGEONS & DRAGONS FANZINE
Issue 9
February 2003
OD&DITIES
Intentionally left blank
Issue 9 - February 2002 OD&DITIES The Original D&D Fanzine 29

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Editorial ................................................................................ 2
My regular rant R. E. B. Tongue
Issue 9
Letters to the Editor .......................................................... 2 February 2003
The readers' comments.
Getting Started ................................................................... 3

Our continuing series on starting a new OD&D campaign. R. E. B. Tongue
Compendium of Characters ............................................ 3 OD DITIES

Two exotic NPC's for your campaign. R. E. B. Tongue
Editor
Governing Gods ................................................................. 4 Richard Tongue
A collection of deities with a difference. Guy Robinson
Layout
First Strike ............................................................................ 5 Jesse Walker
Who goes first: the fighter or the Orc? Erin D. Smale
Contributors
Richard Tongue
Street of a Thousand Adventures .................................. 6 Guy Robinson
A resting place for the sorcerous. Geoff Gander Erin D. Smale
Geoff Gander
Some Enchanted Item ........................................................ 7 Ciro Alessandro Sacco
Carl Quaif
The start of a new column on magical items. Erin D. Smale
Cover Art
An Interview with Gary Gygax, Part I .......................... 8 Jeremy Simmons
An interview with the unquestioned father of RPGs. Ciro Alessandro Sacco
Interior Art
Combat sans Matrix ........................................................ 15 Jesse Walker
Streamlining combat in OD&D. Erin D. Smale
Online
The World of Herol, Part I .............................................. 18 www.tongue.fsnet.co.uk
The first part of a new campaign world for OD&D. Carl Quaif
Dungeons and Dragons is owned by Wizards of the Coast and its use here is not intended as a challenge to their owner-ship of that copyright.
All materials are used here without their permission.
All other material copyright R.E.B. Tongue unless credited to another author.
Editorial
Editorial
Well, welcome to the first issue of OD&DITIES for the New Year. Issue Nine. I think it is possible to say, without fear of contra-
diction, that this is the best issue yet. The first half of an interview with Gary Gygax, the first part of a new campaign setting, this
issue is packed full of goodies. The response this issue has been excellent, with more articles coming in that we could squeeze
into this issue but please, please keep them coming in! I would like to apologise to all of those whose articles simply would not fit
in this issue but they will all see publication soon, I assure you! At the moment, Issue 10 is planned for late March, deadline for
the Tenth, so get those submissions in! Artwork too, please cover and internal and thanks to the excellent Jeremy Simmons for
the piece gracing this issue's cover.
I would just like to apologize in advance for the necessity of publishing in two parts. It is not something I like to do as a rule
I'm sure it will prove a source of some frustration to our readers, I know it would for me. However, these two articles, the Gygax
interview and the World of Herol, both struck me as perfect for OD&DITIES, but were just too long for one issue. Rather than hold
one back, I decided to run them in parts. I would also like to apologize to Scott Casper, who was incorrectly credited as Scott
Gasper in Issue Eight sorry, Scott!
The Guild of OD&D passed a milestone recently with a hundred members. It has really turned into an excellent list I urge
you all to take a look at it. A real community is building there, something that was not present a few years ago. It just goes to show
that there is still plenty of life in OD&D.
In other news, OD&DITIES is up for an award! We're in the nominations for the Origins awards this year, under Best
Roleplaying Magazine. So please, please, register your vote at once. Right now! The issue will still be there when you get back!
Seriously, please vote, and cross your fingers for us. More details to follow in Issue Ten.
5LFKDUG7RQJXH
Editor, OD&DITIES
I know that now "new" players wants only
Letters to the Editor

Please keep those letters coming in, as usual to Methuslah@tongue.fsnet.co.uk!
World of Darkness and similar, but I think
that all those new games simply have lost
the original spirit and flavour of OD&D
game. This is why I try always to get my
friends involved in an OD&D campaign
play. If I find some time I will also like to
Hi! best RPG ever made - both for his flexibility submit some articles - I've created
First of all, let me present myself: I'm a and simplicity. I must admit that I'm also a thousand of home rules in those years of
28-years old italian RPG player. I'll play "collector" of OD&D material - I've almost playing and I wish to share it with other
OD&D since the age of 13, which means all the material ever published (amongst fans. Actually, I'm working for same Italian
that more than half of my life was devoted the others the complete GAZ series, nearly fanzines and submitting some material to
to this beatiful game. all adventure modules, all boxed sets, plus Ken St. Andre (the creator of Tunnels and
During these long years, I've obviously the "legendary" white box and the first four Trolls) who is getting published in this
red, mastered and played many other supplements). I tried over the time to play days. So, just keep up the good work and
RPGs - from AD&D (1st, 2nd and 3rd some campaigns both using the Rules continue to keep high the OD&D vessel,
edition) to Tunnels & Trolls, MERP, Cyclopedia and the Gazetteer series, and there will ever be some "old time" fans like
Rolemaster, Stormbringer, Runequest, even the white boxed set - but unluckily me that will appreciate your efforts. Sorry
Chivalry & Sorcery, plus some other here there is a great lack of players - to for the length of this letter and for my poor
Italian-made games as Katakumbas or I continue playing I'm literally forced to play English, and thank you again.
Cavalieri del Tempio (Temple's Knights is a D&D 3E (not too bad, but the atmosphere
created by OD&D is another thing!) and Tosatt Earp
rough translation in English) which I think
were never published in UK or USA. I've some other minor RPGs (like Vampire or
also enjoyed many solo adventure books Mage, too bad!). I stumbled across your Thanks for the letter most appreciated
(one for all, the Lonewolf series, or the site and fanzine by sheer luck, and I enjoy- as always! I think your English is pretty
wonderful Warlock of Fire Mountain) and ed it very much - good articles, interesting good. I certainly agree that there is a
some other fantasy boardgames as reviews of products, playable adventures danger of the flavour of the older games
Talisman, Dungeonquest, Heroquest and and very good rules and character class being lost in new editions, that's why I
Advanced Heroquest, Willow and Warlock add-ons. In brief, I loved it - especially now began OD&DITIES in the first place, to
of Fire Mountain. Now, finished with this that Dragon and Dungeon are completely help preserve it. I'm glad you like
boring list, I wrote to you just to make my (and sadly) entirely devoted to 3E. OD&DITIES, it's always great to hear that
compliments for your great work in keeping I blame WotC for letting OD&D die - it it is being used. Feel free to send in your
submissions, as many as you like.

alive OD&D, which I simply consider the was the greatest mistake they can ever do.

Getting Started
thread throughout other adventures, either
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running through the whole adventure of just
for a short time. These can be much more
complicated and intricate. Whereas one-
shots were connected to a specific location
or person, these sub-plots should be
connected to an individual PC, and should
number of themes. A dungeon is discover- be much more story oriented. (As such, it is
R. E. B. Tongue ed that the PC's are able to investigate, or recommended that all of the PC's should
a group of bandits starts operating in the have an individual sub-plot at some point.)
woods, and the PC's are hired to remove These plots should involve either the
Well, over the last few instalments we have them. These should not be a part of the
created a campaign setting, and worked background or the personality of the PC.
campaign arc, but can contribute to it, and Optionally, the player himself can be
out the framework of an epic campaign. should draw from the progression of the
Epic campaigns can be excellent for both consulted with such elements. An example
campaign. For example, a group of PCs of this type of sub-plot would be finding a
beginning and advanced players, and if befriending a local lord will likely be asked
they are successful, your players will be PC's long-lost sister, who was kidnapped
to provide assistance with various by pirates many years ago. (As a twist, she
talking about them for years to come. If you problems faced by their new benefactor.
are trying to introduce some new people to is now the leader of the pirates, and the
These one-shot adventures should be fact that she is the long-lost sister will not
D&D, then this is an excellent way to do it. very specific in their nature, either tied to a
However, it must be said that having only be immediately apparent.) Alternatively, the
location or a single person. Examples of DM can come up with such elements on
the epic campaign theme can lead to a this could include clearing out a small
one-note campaign, a campaign fixed in his own. For example, he can have a
dungeon, curing the lycanthropy of the Magic-User PC learn of an ancient spell
one mould only. Players may come to lord's wife, rescuing a kidnapped child from
expect the same plotlines every week (Not book of a long-dead wizard, which could
a tribe of wild elves, or exploring an lead to a long quest to find it, in between
the evil Dark Lord/Evil Undead/foul Orcs enchanted mountain pass. Keep these
again!). other adventuring. It can be as mundane
plots simple to work out they will form a as one of the PC's deciding to take over a
The simple way to combat this is to break in the campaign for the PC's, and the
introduce sub-plots, and one-off advent- local Inn, or as complicated as finding a
players. It is advised that it should be fairly lost golden dragon egg by the light of the
ures into the campaign thread, elements obvious that these are not connected to the
that do not contribute to the overall story new moon on the Plains of Gehenna. The
main plot, as paranoid PC's will often see idea is to engage the PC's on a different
but still add to the experience for the conspiracies wherever they go.
players. One-off adventures are the level, to promote greater individual
The sub-plot is a different type of role-playing than a group campaign will
simplest to introduce, and can be on any animal completely. This is a continuing sometimes allow.
been the leader of his tribe. However, the
Compendium local witch doctor despised him, and

sought power for himself, and so Kirika
was sold to a group of slavers. Upon
arrival, he managed to escape by jumping
of Characters over the side of the boat, and barely

reached the coast. The strange new world
he found himself in fascinated him, and he
has decided to learn what he can from it
before returning home to seek vengeance
below could add such an exotic element to and regain that which was stolen from him.
R. E. B. Tongue your campaign. Basic statistics and Kirika is extremely inquisitive about all
signature equipment are described, as well manner of things, but particularly crafts
as notes on personality and background. such as metalworking he will seek to
learn about metal tools whenever possible.
The characters covered in this issue's
Compendium are strangers, represent- Kirika His courage is unbounded, but he has a
fear of magic, especially those that influe-
atives of other cultures. Although the 4th level Lawful Fighter nce people against their will. He is seeking
practice should not be common, adding a
Str: 14, Dex: 18, Con: 13, Int: 9, Wis: 13, money to finance a return to his land
representative of a culture not otherwise
Cha: 12, HP: 22, AC: 3, Blowgun (6 poison across the ocean, and also he seeks brave
found in your campaign world should not
darts, Save vs. Poison or die), Club, adventurers to accompany him. The PC's
be frowned upon, quite the reverse.
Leather Armour + 1 could be the ones who find him, and teach
Having, say, a 'Samurai' arrive at the castle
him of their land, or they could be hired by
of King Arthur could make for some Kirika is a representative of a culture Kirika to return with him to his tribe.
interesting experiences, though it should living in the jungles of a far-away land. He
be kept in moderation. The pair described was a noble of his people, who would have Continued on page 27 ...

Governing Gods
Redken
AH7D@;@9
Lawful God of Socialism and Newts
A relatively later god, Redken is a god
whose priests can be found among the
lower classes, as defined by the doctrines
of other gods of governance. His role is to
encourage people to support and strength-
A6E
en these people and as such his priests
are often involved in considerable works of
charity. Socialist Paladins dedicated to
Redken are often found, in times, of war
supporting conscript units. In such a role
they often restrict their armour and weap-
Guy Robinson ons to the median equipment borne by
/
their units, excepting when they have
hen people design potent magical items that could best be
pantheons for OD&D applied to the furtherance of the unit's
military success.
people can often forget
Hearth
how different forms of Chaotic God of Families and Feuds Demos
government can make Neutral God of Democracy and Rumours
A primal god of basic governance, Hearth
laid down the principles that the only right A less popular god, Demos seeks to
excellent themes from of ruler-ship and justice lies in the family or advocate principles of democracy that are
gods, especially if these extended clan. Followers believe that appropriate to the wealth, education status
wrongs should be righted through the and population size of a government. They
gods are generally mortals execution of feuds between the families of seek a balance sometimes recommend-
before they became gods. the offender and the offended. Hearth rites ing that democracy be scaled back until a
include the adoption of a stranger into a country is ready for it. Generally priest of
Who better to deify than family or clan, marriages and formal Demos seek to ensure that people who are
fit to decide and express personally their
notable figures that brought declarations of vengeance and strife.
own views influence government.
about great changes, Fief
innovations or order in their Neutral God of Feudalism and Oaths The Iron Lady
Chaotic Goddess of Commerce
lives? All references to real Said to be a son of Hearth, Fief is the god and Choice
who set out the principle of feudal govern-
people living, dead or ment while he was mortal. This shifted the
A goddess popular with merchants and the
undead is completely focus from families to hierarchies of power,
rich, the Iron Lady stands for better govern-
obligation and defence that start to define
accidental in this article, differing social classes. Feudal government
ment through freedom for all in the way
they spend their wealth. This is held by her
honest. has become the norm for many countries
priests to benefit the whole of society, even
and Fief's rites are used to establish and
the poorest that have the least ability to
maintain balance within these societies.
JW chose under such a system. She is also a
goddess of rain, which her priests use as a
Regal metaphor of the benefit of wealth to all
Lawful God of Monarchy through the "trickle down" effect.
As the first legendary king, Regal is the
deified embodiment of the principles of Hatton
kingship. He is said to have a daughter for Chaotic God of Revolution
each true kingdom and these figures of
A god supported by those that seek
Sovereignty personally watch over the
change, Hatton is the god of revolution and
succession from one monarch to another.
violent changes. His priests travel through-
The Iron
These kings and queens tend to head
out the land seeking to encourage populat-
Lady establish states, backed by Regal's
ion to seek a "better" form of government.
authority.
Generally thought they always seem to
Royal capitals generally feature a
advocate a form different to the one current
temple to Regal as large and as prestigious
one that is in place. They are unafraid to
as the monarch can afford. People seeking
advocate war and espionage to further
to become kings generally are wise to build
their goals, which are not coordinated at all
such a temple and staff it with Regal's
often drawing fellow priests into confront-
priests before proclaiming themselves so.
ations with each other.

First Strike
combatant may move up to his encounter

speed and still attack (RC/103). While the
system works best with individual initiative
5XABC
rolls, and individual PCs should always roll
their own initiative, the DM may allow group
initiative rolls if the number of PC foes is
unwieldy. For example, if a party of four
BCAX:4
PCs encounters an ogre and five orcs,
each of the PCs would roll their own initiat-
ive and the DM could probably manage the
six initiative rolls for the ogre and the orcs.
If the same party encounters a pack of 14
giant rats herded by 3 kobold guards,
however, the DM would probably make
only two initiative rolls: one for the rats and
How to get the one for the kobolds.
jump on initiative rolls Initiative Rating

A combatant's Initiative Rating (IR) is a
in OD&D Combat reflection of how rapidly he may act during
a combat round. As such, IR reflects weap-
on skill, size, Dexterity, and attack mode.
Erin D. Smale Typical modifiers are shown on Table 1; all
are cumulative:
Introduction
Determining combat initiative in the Table 1: Initiative Rating
official OD&D rules is a straightforward Condition Modifier Condition Modifier
matter: every round, each side rolls 1d6,
and the side with the highest result goes Weapon Mastery: UN -4 Attacker Size: T 5
first (RC/102). Optionally, the DM may Weapon Mastery: BA -2 Attacker Size: S 3
allow for individual initiative using the same Weapon Mastery: SK 0 Attacker Size: M 0
1d6 method, perhaps further granting that
Weapon Mastery: EX 1 Attacker Size: L -2
the die result is modified by the combat-
ant's Dexterity score. Like most other rules Weapon Mastery: MS 2 Attacker Size: G -4
in OD&D, the system is easy to learn and Weapon Mastery: GM 3 Changed Weapon -2
quick to use, but somewhat short on Weapon Size: S 2 Magic Item Use -1
realism. Not that the system needs to be
trashed, but it could stand the influx of Weapon Size: M 0 Dexterity Adjustment var.
some tensionsomething to make deter- Weapon Size: L -3 Cast Spell - spell level
mining initiative more than a simple back-
and-forth routine of d6 tosses. This article
suggests an alternative initiative system Once initiative is determined, combat For convenience and easy look-ups,
that maintains the random element of a die actions may begin, starting with the players and DMs should note beforehand a
roll while making realistic allowances for combatant who possesses the highest combatant's IR for size and dexterity. This
combatant ability. In the process, the initiative result, whose action is resolved way, the number is always handy as a
system allows a granulated view of the immediately. The combatant with the next "permanent" modifier to initiative rolls, to be
individual actions taken during an chaotic lowest initiative result resolves his action further modified by attack type or combat
combat round. next, then the combatant with the next action chosen.
lowest initiative result, and so on. Because Below are some examples, using the IR
Determining Initiative actions occur in "real time" (i.e., they are modifiers above:
resolved immediately in the order of high-
As in the official rules, initiative is est initiative results to lowest), it is possible Human Fighter with DEX 13 and Skilled
determined at the start of every combat for a slow combatant to be knocked out of mastery in the short sword: IR = +3 [+0
round, but is arbitrated via 1d12 rolled by a fight or incapacitated before he can act. (Medium attacker) +1 (DEX adj.) +0
each combatant. In all cases, the d12 Regardless of the actual initiative results, (Skilled mastery) +2 (weapon size) = +3]
result is modified by the combatant's the numeric difference between initiative
Initiative Rating (IR), a relatively static Human Fighter, as above, swapping his
results of different combatants, or how
modifier (see below) that reflects circum- short sword for a halberd (BA mastery):
many combatants are in the fight, all comb-
stantial conditions such as Dexterity, IR = -6 [+0 (Medium attacker) +1 (DEX
at actions occur in the same combat round
weapon size, attacker size, and attack adj.) -2 (Basic mastery) -3 (weapon size)
(unless an action chosen normally consum-
type. The actual initiative result, then, is the -2 (changing weapon) = -6]
es more than one round). Remember that a
d12 roll plus the combatant's IR. Continued on page 28 ...

Street of a Thousand Adventures
Street of a Thousand Adventures:
artigans est Geoff Gander
his expansive, one-storey woman, who will think nothing of taking a "Legends of the Sea of Dread", by Julius

brick building sits at a quiet half hour or more to chat with newcomers Severnus.
intersection. The establish- about her business, sights to see in the
"The Cult of the Black Worm", by anon.
ment's tall, narrow windows city, and any rumours that she thinks they
are bracketed with brightly might be interested in hearing; her capable "The Rise and Fall of the Eastwind
painted shutters, and beneath each one is assistants, two young women named Aldea Dynasty", by Edwin Linton.
a flower box filled with violets, pansies, and and Catherine, are more than capable of The remainder of the building, which
forget-me-nots. The stout, oak door, handling the patrons if their employer is patrons are not permitted to see, consists
painted a brilliant sky blue, is decorated occupied (they are both low-level magic of the kitchen (accessible through the door
with an ornate bell-pull (whose chimes users, though they will not reveal their behind the counter), where Martigan and
were hand-crafted in Ochalea), but regular abilities unless an emergency arises). her employees prepare the food that is
patrons know enough to just walk in. Although Martigan does not advertise, served, as well as living quarters for the
Inside, the wood-panelled walls have her establishment is known to traveling three women (all comfortably appointed
been stained to a honey-brown colour, and mages far and wide, and most of what is rooms), a small indoor privy, and a narrow
at regular intervals there are small, tasteful said about her business is positive. staircase leading down to a root cellar. In
paintings of country scenes, and mounted Martigan's Rest is known as a comfortable the cellar, Martigan keeps several sacks of
shelves holding anywhere from one to four rest stop, a place where wizards and their potatoes, apples, and other perishables
books, most of which show signs of use. companions may relax for a few hours. that can be placed in cold storage. Hidden
Interspersed among the shelves are There are only two rules that Martigan away in one corner is a small wine rack,
carvings of dragons, pegasi, griffons, and enforces patrons must not duel on the containing vintages from around the Known
other fantastic beasts, all of which hold premises, and they may not solicit World.
fist-sized glass spheres these provide business from other patrons, unless invited
magical light after the sun sets, and their by that person to sit with them first. Failure
gentle golden glow produces a cheery to comply with the first rule will result in Adventure Hooks
atmosphere. The floor of the main room, banishment for life; violation of the second
which takes up about half of the building, is rule result in banishment for at least one Martigan's Rest is a good place for
covered with a great carpet, whose year no exceptions. This is to ensure adventuring parties to acquire information
spiraling patterns are a veritable riot of that those who wish to enjoy a few hours of about legends, which may turn into
colour (a gift from an Ylari emir). Scattered safety and solitude will get it. In all the opportunities for adventure. As mentioned
throughout this room are numerous tables years Martigan's Rest has been open, above, Martigan herself is an excellent
and chairs, all of which, though in good there have been no duels, and only one source of such information, and, provided
condition, show obvious signs of heavy use person was thrown out for soliciting. the PCs behave themselves, she will
over the years. At the far end of the room Martigan herself is a veritable fount of provide it free of charge; frequent patrons
is a long counter and a handful of stools, information about local history, and she will find her more forthcoming about such
behind which is a simple door. traveled extensively in her youth, such that, things, of course. Regardless, polite PCs
Martigan's Rest is open from 6:00 am if presented with a strange object, she has will find Martigan's Rest to be a convenient
to midnight, seven days a week. The a fair chance of identifying it. Also, the sanctuary, if only for a few hours.

proprietor, an average-looking, fortyish books in the main room may contain lore Low- to medium-level PC magic users
woman who calls herself Martigan, decided that might be of interest to the PCs will also benefit from the informal
to open a casual lounge where those of her Martigan is more than willing to sell one of spellcasters market that exists here; if
profession magic users might them, should she be asked about them. In invited to join another mage at his or her
congregate for tea, coffee, liqueurs, and this case, the DM should decide table, PCs may be able to buy, sell, or
other reasonably priced light fare while beforehand what the books are about, but trade spells, and obtain information about
sharing news, spells, and other some sample titles are below: new areas of research. Prices, and what
information. Non-spellcasters are of constitutes a "fair exchange", are best
course welcome (their money is as good as "The Habitat and Customs of the determined through reaction rolls, and
anyone else's), but those who know about Green Dragon", by Thurmond Redbeard. roleplaying. If a PC magic user plays his or
Martigan's preferred clientele tend to stay her cards right, they may end up with a
"Alchemy Made Easy", by Giovanni Storti.
away. Martigan herself is a very pleasant mentor for a time.
Continued on page 27 ...

Some Enchanted Item
Some Enchanted Item

Hither and Yon: A mated pair of nefarious blades
Erin D. Smale
Some Enchanted Item features a unique magic item in each issue of OD&DITIES, complete with a loose
historical context that may be adapted easily to any OD&D campaign and adventure hooks wherein the item
itself can be central to game play. In our first instalment, we'll take a look at Hither and Yon, a mated pair of
blades possessing a powerful punch and a dark past.
effect). While the PCs are hunting for

History Appearance and Powers the missing blade, the original thief
Hither and Yon were commissioned a Hither is a short sword +2 with a worn attempts to steal the other.
century ago by one Elbrolac, a cold, handle and nicked blade that radiates a The (N)PC owner of the blades is losing
ruthless assassin for hire operating from faint crimson light when foes of the wielder sleep, haunted by nightmares populated
the free city of Port Jansor. Elbrolac, are within 50'; its leather scabbard, worn by the spirits of those slain by Elbrolac.
known also as Jansor's Scourge, slew no and cracked, bears an Auld Common runic At first, no obvious connection between
less than three score minor nobles and well inscription: "Outward from Within doth this the nightmares and the weapons exists,
known politicians during his short but Death-ward blade flow." Yon is a throwing but the longer the owner possesses and
pestilent career. In what some posit a bid dagger of returning +1 that, as its uses the blades, the more alarming the
to incite war with neighbouring Nadoria, companion, appears well used, but returns dreams become. Eventually, the owner
Elbrolac was hired to commit a wave of unerringly to its wielder if an intended sees sad and angry spirits during wak-
politically motivated slayings in which he target is missed. These respective powers ing hours, suffering constant torment
wielded Hither and Yon with a deadly function if either blade is possessed. If a until the blades are either destroyed or
efficiency that culminated in the bold thief of any alignment owns both and draws the spirits are mollified.
murder of Port Jansor's popular Lord them in combat, the thief gains a +1 "to-hit" As above, but the nightmares feature
Mayor. bonus on any backstab attempt as well as
Elbrolac, who disapproves of the current
The assassination incited unanticipated a +1 AC bonus from the automatic parrying
owner. The nightmares and visions stop
outrage, and Elbrolac, who sought to flee effect of either blade in motion.
only after the PCs find the Elbrolac's
Port Jansor, was foiled through the
tomb, constructed in the sewers benea-
renewed vigour of the local constabulary
and his betrayal by other underworld
Adventure Hooks th Port Jansor's Silent Square by loyal
sect members after Elbrolac's execut-
figures who believed that Jansor's Scourge The twain blades Hither and Yon may ion. Of course, Elbrolac's undead form
had finally gone too far. Within a week of spawn any of the following adventures: must be defeated to stop the visions.
the Lord Mayor's death, Elbrolac was

rooted out and summarily sentenced to Elbrolac's sect is still active and indeed JW
death. possesses the blades; it is possible that
The Silent Square within Port Jansor's an encounter with the sect features the
Founding District is so named for Elbrolac's twain. If the PCs run afoul of the sect, it
execution, for while he was set on a pyre is certain that Hither and Yon will be
fuelled by Elemental flame, he uttered not used in an attempt on their lives, which
a sound of protest, spite, or agony whilst may grant witness to some measure of
he burned, instead fixing his gaze firmly the blades' powers (whetting, no doubt,
upon a rising sun of full, radiant glory. the appetite of any PC thief).
Elbrolac's ashes were left to wash away in
News that one of the PCs owns the pair
the rain, and his fearsome blades were
sequestered in the City Treasury. During a reaches Elbrolac's sect, which sends
robbery some 25 years ago, the blades out some muscle to reclaim the blades.
were stolenamongst other treasuresby If these thugs are defeated, the sect
what most believe to be remnants of sends progressively stronger bounty
Elbrolac's now dormant sect. No account of hunters to divest the PC of the pair.
their use has surfaced, and their present One of the blades is stolen or lost, and
location is today unknown. the (N)PC owner naturally wants it Hither and Yon
returned (since both are required for full

An interview with Gary Gygax
An inter v i e w with
GaryGygax
Intr o d u c t i o n
Introduction by Ciro Alessandro Sacco

As many, many gamers around the world and especially Italian ones, I have always hoped to have
the privilege to meet Gary Gygax, the co creator of Dungeons & Dragons and creator of the Advanced
Dungeons & Dragons game. My hopes were at last satisfied when Gary Gygax came in Italy in 1999,
for the Mod Con gaming convention: unfortunately, the large (and growing!) queue of fans eager to
have their D&D products signed by him forced me to avoid any questions (nonetheless I have a D&D
Basic Set and a B2 module signed by him!). Then this year on the excellent web site EN World
(www.enworld.org) Gary Gygax started a long thread about himself, his projects and everything else
that might be imagined by gamers. I was extremely pleased to see how easygoing, friendly and access-
ible Gary is to his/her fans, so I gathered my courage and finally asked him for an interview, an inter-
view that quickly grew in size to seven pages of questions(!) due to the long research in magazines as
"White Dwarf", "Dragon", "Space Gamer", catalogues and Gary's biography and bibliography. I want to
add that Gary and myself edited the interview. I'm really proud of this little cooperative effort with the
Father of D&D/AD&D and one of the nicest, open and less pretentious people I have ever met in all the
facets of life. The fact he accepted to spend so much time on the interview, despite his busy schedule,
it's the best proof of this.
Introduction by Gary Gygax

Here I must insert my own introductory comment. The laundry list of questions that follow were not
initially well received by me. What a chore, I thought, as I looked through the lot. Of course many of the
inquiries need be answered in greater detail that has been furnished; but the fact is that I have to earn a
living writing, so the time called for to respond fully is just not possible save by being taken in bits and
pieces over a period of weeks. Although I have gone to some lengths in several areas to supply as full
an explanation as possible, all things considered, I am not totally satisfied. While I enjoy communica-
ting with my fellow gamers, there are limits to the extent I can do so in this sort of interview. If you find
my answers incomplete or unsatisfactory, sorry: I did what time allows just now, as Ciro can't wait
forever for my response. Contact him about this and possibly he'll compile another list. Then I will
groan, grumble at him, and eventually answer those new questions too, most likely. Allow me to add
that Mr. Ciro Alessandro Sacco has clearly spent a lot of time researching and preparing his questions.
Because of that, I made a greater effort than usual to answer as fully as I was able. Be sure to thank
Ciro for this, as he deserves lauds for his penetrating questions covering subjects seldom if ever
touched on by other interviewers.
Introduction by Richard Tongue

I would just like to thank both Ciro and Gary for being allowed to publish this interview, which I think
is the most complete one I have ever seen, and certainly the most interesting, in OD&DITIES. The
interview will appear in two parts, the next slated for OD&DITIES Ten. Enjoy!

The game you speak of, "Alexander Guidon Games had a game shop, sold
Gary Gygax, The Man the Great", along with another board gaming via the mail, published a
wargame, "Dunkirk" (the invasion of magazine and likewise printed and sold
Does that mean you think I have grown France and the Low Countries in 1940), military miniatures rulebooks and
up? Wrong! were originally published by a small game boxed board wargames.They were
company, Guidon, or which you have a small but certainly a legitimate
Could you please tell us about question abut later on. When that company (I dislike using 'professional',
yourself: age, hobbies outside gaming, company went out of business, Avalon Hill as they professed nothing: they were a
how did you discover gaming in first contacted me to secure an agreement to
commercial enterprise). I was paid for
place and so on? revise and publish the Alexander game.
the work I did for them, yes. Unfortunat-
As I had been a fan, then became a friend
of, Tom Shaw, then the V.P of Avalon Hill, ely, sales volume did not make the
I was born 27 July 1938 in Chicago,
Illinois. It was there that learned to play and his assistant was Don Greenwood, a income received thus sufficient to do
games: pinochle at age five and chess at gamer I had known for some years via more than supplement income from
age six. Of course, playing with toy postal exchange and he being a member other work. I was asked to go to work
soldiers, "ruleless military miniatures" if of association I had co-founded, the for them full time. That would have
you will, occupied a good bit of my time International Federation of Wargamers, required me to move to the state of
then too, with blocks and Tinker Toys working with them was quite pleasant. Maine. Tom Wham did so, but I thought
adorning the battlefield. My family One of the most satisfying compl- their new location was a poor choice.
removed to Lake Geneva in the summer iments I ever received was from one of Furthermore, the company was not run
of 1946. Later on there, various board the principals of Game Designer's in an aggressive and responsive
games and chess variants were added, Workshop, that laud in regards to the manner. In my opinion there was no
while in my teens we tried some simple detail of the Order of Battle of the forces chance for growth and success as
rules, along with ladyfinger firecrackers involved in the "Dunkirk" game. Since things stood and I said so to Guidon.
fired from Britons cannons, to add some originally designing it, I have done more Sadly, I was correct in my judgement.
order to games with toy soldiers. That was research, corrected some errors I On the positive side, it was then (1972)
not a success. Finally, in 1958 I came discovered in the German OB, and one
that I determined I needed to start my
upon The Avalon Hill Company's board day I would very much like to see the
own publishing company.
wargame, "Gettysburg". That sealed my campaign in play as a computer game.
In the summer of 1973, before my old At the time were your various efforts
fate, for thereafter I was a wargamer and
eventually a gamer in the larger sense. friend, Don Kaye, joined me to found enough to support you and your family
Hobbies of the past include stamp Tactical Studies Rules, I did indeed call or were you forced to have a 'real job'
collecting, tropical fish, small animal keep- Avalon Hill and ask if they might be outside the gaming field?
ing, hunting, fishing, hiking and camping. interested in publishing the game that was
Along with reading a fair number of books to be known as D&D. They laughed at the As noted, I had to do various other
of fiction and non-fiction, listening to idea, turned it down. In 1975 Tom called work after leaving the insurance under-
music (classical, blues, Spanish, and back to ask if maybe they could take over writing and sales field late in 1970. In
modern jazz the favourites), that pretty publication. It was my turn to laugh. After order to have a job where I could work at
well covers my leisure time activities. that we laughed together about the whole home, have as much opportunity as poss-
affair when we met at various gaming ible to devote to game design and writing,
I noticed a 'paranormal experiences' conventions. I learned shoe repair, acquired the nec-
section in your biography: do you One last thing. I did another board essary equipment and began doing such
really believe in the paranormal? wargame, this one published by TSR. In trade from my residence. That was some-
1976 we released my "Little Big Horn" thing of a sacrifice, as the sand table in
Of course there is the paranormal. To game, the tactical conflict between the 7th my basement had to move to make room
deny it is to flout reason. There are things Cavalry under Lt. Col. George Armstrong for machinery, but that big table found a
that happen that cannot be explained by Custer and the various 'Sioux' and allied home in Don Kaye's garage. It was not
any scientific means. Some of that is Indian tribes. Two other small publishers until the middle of 1975 that income from
paranormal. Exactly what is paranormal, likewise introduced their own like games game-related work was sufficient to
what isn't, I'll leave to those who worry at Origins that year, as it was the 100th provide my entire income, that money
about such things. I do know, for example, anniversary of the battle. Of course, all needed to support myself and my family.
that things have happened to me that three companies suffered sales-wise, as
have no rational or scientific explanation interested gamers were divided. The LBH How big was the gaming market in the
and those I consider as outside the game was actually quite accurate, and the '70s? I gather that Avalon Hill and then
known: paranormal. Cavalry had a fair chance to triumph, just SPI were THE publishers of the age
as Custer had hoped if they stayed with a mainly historical line the first
Reading your biography, I noticed you together and had their pack train with efforts in the fantasy and SF field seem
did some work in the boardgaming ammunition with them. to start really with the publication of
field, especially for Avalon Hill. How In the same biography I read: "Editor- "Godsfire" by Metagaming... Is this
in-Chief, Guidon Games (publisher of war- correct?
this experience started? Was it an
gaming rules and wargames)". What kind
interesting one? Did you attempt to sell
of company was Guidon Games? An am- No accurate data regarding the size of
D&D to them? ateur publisher or a professional one? Did the consumer audience for board
Guidon Games pay you for your work? wargames and military miniatures in the

1960s (when I became active) and in the game in the first place, that would take After that run we found a printer to do
early 1970s is known to me. My consider- many pages to explain, so I won't go into all assembly, ran 25,000 late that summer
ed estimate for the consumer audience it other than to say it was the culmination for delivery to the building we were in
the USA and Canada during that period is of more than 30 years of living and doing process of acquiring to house the
from 100,000 to 150,000, this including that enabled the process. business.
"Diplomacy" game players. Avalon Hill
was far and away the largest publisher In your FAQ you write "1973: Gary and Regarding distributors, what were your
back then. SPI eventually moved into Don Kaye form Tactical Studies Rules, distribution channels at the time? I
second place in the early 1970s. an equal partnership" and then "1974: suppose that wholesalers were mainly
As for Metagaming Concepts, I don't Brian Blume is admitted as an equal in the historical gaming business
recall them being active before 1975 or (1/3) partner". Did both of you admit a what was their reaction to this new
1976 (we sold/distributed their product new partner to help financing the weird game based on fantasy and with
line for a time). D&D was certainly the first publication of D&D? no board or counters?
fantasy game that achieved any success,
and that was followed by "Traveller" (the As an introductory explanation and a At inception, Tactical Studies Rules
first big sci-fi role playing game N.d.R.) matter of possible interest to your sold direct to consumers, shipped to
from GDW. I think it was after the success readers, Don Kaye was a childhood game shops and hobby stores and
of D&D that efforts to publish other fanta- friend. As a boy under age eight, I spent wholesaled only to three distributors.
sy, SF, and general RPGs were begin. Of most of the summer in Lake Geneva. I Interestingly, those three were all
course I am going back nearly 30 years met Don there when I was six years old. manufacturers of miniature figurines.
and my recollection might be faulty He was a friend of my usual playmate Those "distributors" ordered in small
there, John Rasch, who lived next door. quantities, 25s and 50s. In 1975 we
TSR and the birth When my family moved to Lake Geneva
permanently, when I was eight, Don was a
picked up one or two real distributors.
Joining the Hobby Industry Association of
of D&D year-round buddy. We bicycled, camped, America and exhibiting at their annual
gamed, and generally 'hung out' together trade show in 1976, TSR Hobbies, Inc.
Actually, the D&D game was from then on with a lot of other lads of then began to establish a regular network
conceived and written about a year before course. Unlike me, Don was a good of distributors.
we formed a partnership, had a company student and he encouraged me, without
aimed at publishing it. much success, to pay more attention to How long did it take to sell these first
studies. He is greatly missed 1,000 copies? What was the feedback
Surely this question has been asked Don and I wanted to get the D&D from gamers? Is it true that you
you a zillion times, but, for the benefit game out as soon as possible. If we had received many phone calls during the
of our Italian readers, could you kindly waited until sales of our one set of military night to clarify some obscure aspect of
miniatures rules, "Cavaliers & the rules?
tell it once more? How was D&D born?
Roundheads", generated sufficient funds,
it would have been 1975 before we could The first sale was an individual copy to
I wrote a 50-page manuscript that I
publish. a gamer and it was mailed off at the end
titled "The Fantasy Game" late in 1972.
Much of the content of the game was of January. The initial print run of 1,000
I know that 1,000 copies of D&D were copies took seven months to sell out
drawn straight from "Chainmail - Rules for
Medieval Military Miniatures", the initially produced, the fabled First February through September 1974. We
"Man-to-Man" and "Fantasy Supplement" Edition. Is it true that you and your received the second printing of the D&D
portions that I had authored, to be exact. partners personally assembled every game in October 1974, shipped those
This manuscript was sent in the mail to a copy and then shipped them to beginning in November. Those were out
dozen or so of my wargaming associated customers and distributors? of stock by May and in June we received
around the USA for their play testing and the print run of 3,000 copies noted above.
feedback. The reception was It is absolutely true. We wet and stuck the Heritage Models did the printing, and their
overwhelming and all positive. In the front and spine labels on the boxes, charge for the job was covered in their
spring of 1973 I revised the material to collated the reference sheets, folded them over-run of 300 copies, these they sold to
150-page length essentially what was and placed them in the box, then collated shops. The arrangement worked well for
printed as the D&D game's three rules the three booklets, put them in, closed the us, as cash flow was always a problem.
booklets in January 1974. This draft of the box, and set the completed game on a Parenthetically, photostat copies of
game was sent out to about 30 people shelf. That goes for the second printing in the manuscript rules were made, and
and the reaction was so intense that I was browns boxes also, 2,000 copies run in when the commercial game was
sure we had a winning game. As an October of 1974. The next run of 3,300 published, fans not willing or financially
aside, at that point I thought we would sell was sold in white wrapped pre-printed unable to expend the princely sum of $10
at least 50,000 copies to wargamers and boxes, but hand assembly was also done, for the product did likewise, copying the
fantasy fans. I underestimated the that in the basement of the house I lived material on school (mainly
audience a little It wasn't until the in. In fact, I personally toted all the college/university) machines. We were
middle of 1975 that the true scope of the cartons of booklets, 9,000 in all, from the well aware of this, and many gamers who
appeal of the "Dungeons & Dragons" truck tailgate down into the basement had spent their hard-earned money to buy
game was understood by me. storeroom. It was a hot June day in 1975 the game were more irate than we were.
As to how I conceived and wrote the that I remember well today. In all, though, the "pirate" material was

more helpful that not. Many new fans As to Arnesons's role in the creation of prices. What is the truth about this
were made by DMs who were using such D&D, Tactical Studies Rules (actually me module?
copies to run their games. in this case) listed his name on the
product, right? His name continued to be You ask the man who decided on the
From the end of 1972 on I received much so shown when Tactical Studies Rules 'Amazon" and "Temptress" illos in original
mail and many phone calls. Unlike my was acquired by TSR Hobbies, Inc. He D&D, the "Eldritch Wizardry" supplement
current schedule, in those days I did a lot received royalties according to his cover about something in the artwork in
of work late at night, and many a tele- contract. The "Blackmoor" supplement Jean Well's module being 'objectionable'?
phone call was received after midnight. I was published and promoted. That I am quite at a loss as to how to
recall one enthusiastic young DM who answers that question fully I should think. respond.
"took me on a phone adventure" that Only one legal action was filed by Actually, it was Kevin Blume who
lasted two hours, concluding well after 2 Dave against TSR. That never went to literally pitched a fit about the product,
AM, so he could test both his DMing court, was settled. demanded it be recalled. I had no input
ability and his material. Of course most of What Peter Adkison was referring to, I into the matter and I would have quashed
the calls were in regards to rules quest- am sure, is the acquisition of certain his objection had I been able to do so.
ions or inquiries about how best to handle remaining rights held by Arneson in the The fact is, though, that there were three
some aspect of game mastering. As the D&D game. There was no litigation persons on the Board of Directors of the
number of enthusiasts grew, I finally had involved, of that I am sure. WotC made companyBrian Blume, Kevin Blume and
to have my telephone number "unlisted," Dave Arneson an offer for residual rights, me. Similarly, while I was the President
or else I would have had to spend most of he accepted, and that was that. I speak and CEO, Brian placed himself in charge
each day talking to DMs and players. with authority here, because thereafter the of creative affairs, as President of that
same process acquired the residual rights activity, while Kevin was President of all
I held. other operations. This effectively boxed
Gary Gygax and Dave me off into a powerless role. If a
What is your relationship with Dave
Arneson Arneson now?
'President' under me did something I
didn't like, my only recourse would be to
take the matter to the Board of Directors
Not a lot to say here, as it has been As far as I am concerned, one might where I would be outvoted two to one.
over 20 years since Dave and I had much characterize the relationship between
to do with each other Dave and me as distant but cordial. We
are separated by distance and approach The many faces of
What was exactly the role of Dave to gaming. We have no interaction in
Arneson in the creation of D&D? In his gaming or casual communication, but
TSR
www.castleblackmoor.com web site, when we meet we enjoy a pleasant
Dave defines himself 'the father of role exchange. As a matter of fact, if Dave From my perspective, those "faces'
playing'. were to be running a miniatures game at a were all pretty ugly from about 1981 on
convention I was attending, I would make
As Dave noted in his interview in an effort to play in it. The first company you were partner in
"Different Worlds" #3, I wrote the whole of was Tactical Studies Rules but, as you
the D&D game. Arneson contributed write in your own FAQ "1976: Don dies
ideas for the D&D game. Also, some of The facts about the of a heart attack in January. His wife is
the contents of the D&D Game impossible to deal with. TSR Hobbies
supplement, "Blackmoor", contained his recalled D&D module Inc. is formed, and this corporation
concepts and writing, as developed and buys out Don's widow". I remember
edited by Tim Kask. As for paternal claims A bizarre affair indeed, that! reading that Don Kaye was instrument-
to roleplaying, well, if Dave wishes to call al in the D&D publication, having
himself that, okay. That's his affair. He The D&D module B3 Palace of the
cashed an insurance policy to have
must be very old, though, because as far Silver Princess was published in two
money enough for printing the first
as I can tell, roleplaying began about the versions, one with an Orange cover
1,000 copies. Is this true? Do you think
time children in past historical ages (written by Jean Wells) and another
if Don Kaye had not passed on, things
played "let's pretend" games one with a Green cover (rewritten by
For my part I am satisfied with would have evolved in a different way?
Tom Moldvay and published in Italian
whatever credits others care to assign to too). Legend has that you ordered the
me and I believe my work speaks amply Don Kaye borrowed against a life
recall of the Orange version because insurance policy he had, the sum drawn
for itself. you considered the artwork question- out being $1,000.
able in many cases and that the entire There is no question in my mind that
Was Dave Arneson's role recognized print run was destroyed, excluding for
by TSR Hobbies? How many times did had Don Kaye lived, the whole course of
a box of 75 copies tossed in the trash later events at TSR would have been
he sue TSR Inc.? I remember hearing (and quietly taken away in the night) altered radically. Don was not only a very
from Peter Adkison in 1997 that he had and some unreturned employees' intelligent guy, a gamer, but he was also
finally settled the last suit of Dave copies. This module is one of the most one who was not given to allowing the
against TSR Inc. sought after by collectors and of prospect of greater profits to cloud his
course it can command very high judgement in regards the long-term

viability of the enterprise he co-founded, might serve as a place to live roleplay. All TV, which caused real harm to the repute
was so proud of. of that was reported in the news media of the game with their unfounded
here, but the credibility of the news media assertions and gross exaggerations.
As it's written in your biography, from is suspect.
1976 to 1983 you were President of There came a time when Egbert In 1981 you negotiated a distribution
TSR Hobbies despite Brian and Melvin disappeared from his school and his deal with Random House, the biggest
Blume having the 65% and then the mother called in a private detective, one US publisher. Did you approach them
70% of company's shares. Were the William Dear, to investigate. Mr Dear was or vice versa? What was the result of
relations between you and the Blumes imaginative, if nothing else, and he this deal for TSR Hobbies?
good or at least tolerable? Did they apparently seized upon the opportunity to
sensationalize the matter, going so far as I was in process of negotiations with
give you directions about the
to suggest that Egbert was lost in the Simon & Schuster when the woman who
company's evolution and business
steam tunnels or that, because of D&D, was then the VP of Sub-rights Licensing
strategy or did you set them by some foul play might have occurred. The
yourself? at Random House telephoned me. Not
news media gave such wild speculation a surprisingly, this was instigated by her two
lot of coverage. Then Egbert was sons, both of who were then avid D&D
Melvin Blume was Brian's father. He discovered in Texas where he had gone
purchased shares in the corporation. gamers. When she mentioned that we
to be with his father. could conclude a deal speedily, get into
Then, at Brian's insistence, I agreed that Of course the continual press
Kevin, a younger brother of Brian then book trade distribution in a matter of
coverage of this, their mention of the D&D months, not a year, I immediately booked
managing the accounting and fulfilment game and its 'dangers' caused sales to
operations at TSR, be allowed to own a flight to New York City. After a couple of
skyrocket. We couldn't print fast enough days of meetings we had struck an
those shares. They were duly transferred to fill orders. I had projected growth for the
and then Kevin became a member of the excellent agreement, good for Random
year to go from approximately $4.2 million House and great for TSR, I assure you.
Board of Directors. to $8.5 million for that fiscal year.
I have spoken earlier of the structure Because of the 'Egbert Affair', TSR
that the Blumes imposed on TSR in 1981. Along D&D and AD&D, TSR Hobbies
grossed $16.5 million. Gross pre-tax profit attempted to diversify publishing many
As another example of things before then, was about $4.25 million. Immediately after
late 1979 or early 1980, I issued some board games, for example Divine Right
those results, the Blumes took what was
instructions. When Brian heard what I had (one of the most popular and still one
effectively total control of TSR. The
ordered he shouted loudly for all to hear: corporation subsequently realized greater of the most sought in the collector's
I don't care what Gary said. I own gross sales, but never thereafter did the market), granting Judges Guild
controlling interest in this company and it profit margin come close to that. I did not licenses to publish products
will be done the way I say!. I should have believe in heavy borrowing and expansion 'approved' for D&D and AD&D, granting
parted ways with TSR then and there, but beyond the means of the corporation to Grenadier Models to produce official
I still had a lot of loyalty to the company manage comfortably out of profits and the AD&D miniatures and selling licenses
and the vision upon which it had been Blumes did. for a coloring album, party items and
created. Anyway, from that point on, I had Staff size was also something the much more. How many licenses did
little control, and in general what I desired Blumes seemed to revel in. There were TSR Hobbies sell regarding D&D and
be done was ignored or the exact indeed over 300 employees in TSR in AD&D? What was the most weird
opposite was put in place. 1983 and 1984. They oversaw all product carrying the D&D or AD&D
personnel - human resources as they logos? I'd go for the party items, but
I know that in those first years D&D preferred to call itsave for a small you could now better...
and RPGs enjoyed a phenomenal personal staff of my own doing special
growth and TSR Hobbies experienced creative projects and assisting me with my You are lumping apples and oranges
booming sales not only in the US but in duties. Although I did not have any direct together here, so I'll divide my answer into
various other countries too. At its peak control of operations, I was still seeing to separate parts.
TSR, Inc. (successor of TSR Hobbies) the corporate 'face', directing advertising TSR did seek to broaden its base of
employed over 300 staffers according and promotion and generally in the games by publishing other RPGs and also
to The Space Gamer # 69 (May June forefront where business deals with large board games. Had any of the non-fantasy
1984). The famous 'James Dallas companies were to be conducted. RPGs been properly supported, I an
Egbert III case' seemed to have a certain that each such game would have
decisive role for the media coverage of Did you ever read "The Dungeon established a fan base and made a small
the game and the booming of sales Master" book by Dear, the private but sufficiently ample profit so as to justify
thereafter. Could you describe to our detective that solved this case? What retaining it as an active line. Similarly, as
readers this case and its was the book's impact at the time and you note, the "Divine Right" game was
consequences? what is your judgement of it? excellent, and had it been promoted and
managed properly, it too could have
James Dallas Egbert III was a troubled No, I never read it. Undoubtedly those become a standard title on the TSR
young man who attended university in that did got a rather misleading impress- backlist of games.
Michigan. I understand that he played the ion of RPGs in general and D&D in Licensing is another matter entirely. It
D&D game and possibly he and some of particular. Any impact that the book in is generally a most desirable thing, as
his associates might have explored some question had was minimal in my judge- contracting with another firm to allow them
tunnels under the university to see if they ment. It was the news media, particularly to use trademarks and images to produce

ancillary products, or place such marks TSR Hobbies embarked in such leaving TSR Hobbies and forming your
and likenesses on their products, is both operations in fields already having a lot own company and the Blumes selling
"free money" and excellent advertising. of well-established manufacturers? remaining shares to Mattel itself. Was
The figurines license granted to Grenadier Were such choices part of the reason this true? Were there large
was the first given by TST, as I recall, and of, I quote your FAQ, "TSR had entertainment and toy corporations
then a succession of others followed. The accumulated $1.5 million debt that they interested in acquiring TSR Hobbies?
license granted to Judge's Guild was, [the Blumes and others managers] Considering the company had enjoyed
admittedly, a lot of work in that products
couldn't figure out how to pay"? such an amazing growth in a few
had to be carefully reviewed for continuity
years, had some very successful
with the AD&D and D&D game systems.
Diversification into the manufacture of product lines, very loyal fans and
This was not handled well at TSR, and
miniature figurines for use with strong brands, the idea itself surely
eventually the license was withdrawn.
role-playing and other games was not a had a lot of merit in their eyes
Thereafter I strongly advocated arranging
bad idea in my opinion. If the new (especially for Mattel, I suppose).
a licensing agreement with Mayfair Fames
undertaking had been managed properly,
for their "Role Aids" product line, but I was
integrated with the publishing, the TSR had received inquiries about
outvoted in the board meeting considering
miniatures line could have been profitable acquisition from other corporations for
the question. A bit later on I was actively
and enhanced the corporation's market several years prior to 1984. As far as I
promoting a merger with Games
share. That publishing and figurine know the Blumes were not interested in
Workshop, but the Blumes managed to
manufacturing, properly integrated and selling.
frighten off Steve Jackson and Ian
supported, function well is well I never considered forming another
Livingstone. Of course that merger would
demonstrated by the success of Games company, with or without Duke Siefried.
have given those two 25% interest in
Workshop. That established, I do not As a matter of fact, though, I had been
TSR, and the control of the company
believe that TSR did manage the matter contemplating for some time the prospect
would no longer have rested in the hands
well. However it was not a substantial of taking TSR public. When I encouraged
of Brian and Kevin. Such are the
factor in the debt position that the employees to acquire shares in the corp-
vicissitudes of corporate affairs.
corporation found itself in 1984. To the oration it was because I assumed that the
As for the most unusual product
best of my knowledge the following are company would move into the public
licensed, I suppose I'd have to vote for the
the major contributing factors: arena. The Blumes opposed me in this.
green "Big Wheel" plastic tricycle with a
the Blumes had acquired, without As for interest in acquisition, I offer the
dragon head on the front of the handle

approval of the Board of Directors, a craft following factual account. As the CEO of
bars (Amazing! N.d.R.). My youngest son,
company called Greenfield Dungeons & Dragons Entertainment
Alex, surely did enjoy riding one when he
Needlewomen. This company was owned Corp. I was meeting with Mr. Sid
was a tot though.
by one of their relatives. While military/f Shineberg, President of Universal in 1984.
antasy miniatures might be successfully I had made the appointment to discuss a
Exactly, when and for what reasons
integrated into a game publishing motion picture based on the game. In the
your relationship with the Blumes company, a line of needlecraft and
started to degenerate in, forgive me for course of that hour-plus long meeting, Mr.
associated products certainly could not. Shineberg said, and I quote as nearly as
the expression, an all out war for the Kevin Blume had overprinted the

memory permits, the following: "We would

control of the company? previously successful multiple-path D&D like to acquire you (TSR/D&D
adventure books, so that there were in the Entertainment), joint venture with you, or
This has been pretty well answered in warehouse some millions of copies of engage in just about any co-venture you
various responses above. The motivation these various books that could not be name." Of course I was knocked back on
for the Blumes to want to assume control sold. my mental heels, but I think I kept a poker
was, in my opinion, the money. My receiv- over a million dollars of systems

face. What an opportunity, I thought. Then

ing royalties, small percentages, but furniture had been purchased or leased, the reality of the Blumes came to cloud
meaningful when sales volume was taken and it was sitting unused, unpacked for the rosy vistas I had glimpsed. I thanked
into account, and the recognition given the most part, sufficient for hundreds of him, explained that I held only a minority
mainly to me seemed to have clouded employees that did not exist. ownership in TSR, but assured Mr.
their perspective and affected their judge- TSR was over-staffed, 300 plus

Shineberg that I would relate Universal's

ment most adversely. employees, while operations needed less interest to the Board of Directors at its
than 200. Furthermore, there was next monthly meeting. Even as I said that
In 1982 TSR Hobbies decided to considerable nepotism involved. I knew there would be no positive
terminate the license to Grenadier The corporation owned and leased response from the Blumes. That proved to
Models and started producing its own over 70 automobiles. be the case.
AD&D Official miniatures and then a There were other egregious things As a positive, though, I took from that
line of toys. There was an interview to contributing to the financial problems of meeting a positive assurance that
Kevin Blume in The Space Gamer #63 the corporation, but the above are the Universal would give D&D Entertainment
(May June 1983) about this subject. salient ones. a very positive look when it came time to
He said: "We licensed part of our present a major motion picture project I
AD&D toy line to LJN, a large company In the same interview, Kevin Blume was working on. Right after the meeting
in our field (...). We retained for states: "I mean, Mattel would with Mr. Shineberg, I met with Orson
ourselves anything else that might desperately love to buy us [TSR Wells. He subsequently agreed to
come from Dungeons & Dragons". Why Hobbies]" and this after 'debunking' become a part of the project, take the
rumours of you and Duke Siefried main supporting role. Not many weeks

ater I met with Edgar Gross, then the course these three directors, brought in Discharged employees were rehired or
Executive Producer for John Boorman, and paid because of the Blumes, "suits" replaced all too soon. As to the rest, aside
and after another meeting that was quite ignorant of hobby gaming and from the fact that there were six members
moving forward too, with a date to be set generally hostile to the culture I had of the BoD, that is essentially correct,
to meet with Mr. Boorman to present the originally created for the company, were although I am not quite sure of what '
script and see if he would produce and solidly behind Kevin and Brian and financial setbacks' means. As I recall,
direct. With that done, all that remained opposed to me. That I referred to them as TSR's financial report for 1983 showed
was to take the package to Universal, Moe, Shemp, and Larry likely didn't over $32 million in gross sales, with a
meet again with Mr. Shineberg. A very endear me to them. That those three marginal profit very marginal. That was
strong prospect for getting a deal indeed, stooges of the Blumes sat on the Board of not so much a setback as it was a
all that. Before I could go further down Directors for some two years and demonstration of poor management.
that road I had to return to Lake Geneva facilitated the mismanagement of TSR by It might be worth noting that the sales
because of the financial crisis at TSR the Blumes in undeniable. manager in position in 1983 pushed a lot
(1984). This you mention later on, so I'll Whatever I brought before the board of product into outlets that I knew would
speak no more of that at this point. was likely to be voted down by a five to not be able to sell it. I was vocal about
Here I must again digress to provide one margin. this and what I warned against was
the reader with the background that will Not long after Williams gained control ignored. When returns came in 1984, the
enable a better understanding of TSR of TSR, she dismissed those stooges. sales manager had moved on to another
under the Blumes. After the They knew I was going to do that the position, his track record of 'sales
reorganization where Brian and Kevin instant I gained control, but I do believe success' at TSR likely adding much luster
Blume boxed my position as president that they thought Williams would not, as to his resume
and CEO into a powerless role, they were they supported her. That, of course is I had virtually no input in or knowledge
evidently not completely satisfied. A part typical but very ironic to me, as under her of TSR Ventures. I was kept in the dark. It
of that possibly stemmed from the fact management TSR came to far worse was involved in production of plastics and
that by sheer force of personality, along straits than had occurred under the toys in the Far East, but beyond that I
with occasional mutterings about leaving Blumes, albeit it took more time for the can't say. TSR International was
the company, I managed to stop some of collapse to occur. When it did, TSR had established to manage overseas
their plans and even managed to get about $30 million in secured debt and business, distribution and sales there,
something I thought wise past them and what I believe was in the neighbourhood licensing and production. When the
into the works, so to speak. A part of their of at least two or three million of chickens of the Blume mismanagement of
dissatisfaction might have stemmed from unsecured debt, possibly much more. I the corporation came home to roost early
their own self-doubts. Whatever the know the secured debt figure, because I in 1985, TSR Ventures was folded. Later
reasons, the Blumes decided that TSR was an unsecured debtor who was owed on, when Williams was in control of the
must join the American Management six figures from the settlement of the suit corporation the same thin happened in
Association ("AMA"thankfully now TSR brought against the Dangerous regards to TSR International and
defunct). This was done without my Journeys game. I also spoke with an Dungeons & Dragons Entertainment
approval. Soon the company was visited author who was owed over a half million Corp.
by their "experts," people who in my in royalties. I can also say that from what I recall
opinion were likely helpful to widget Kevin and Brian saying, the separate
manufacturers and firms providing The Space Gamer #65 (September/ corporations were aimed at keeping
ordinary services. As a matter of fact October 1983) announced a deep foreign income away from US
these "experts" had no clue about the 'reorganization' of TSR Hobbies with taxationthey were envisioning millions
hobby game field. That evident lack the firing of 40 employees and the birth and millions of dollars rolling in. The
notwithstanding, the Blumes had the AMA of four companies with the same board ownership of D&D Entertainment
people assess TSR operations, then give of directors (you, Brian Blume and Corporation was held by the TSR Exempt
all employees 'training' in endless Kevin Blume) on June, 24. We see the Profit Sharing Trust and, as that trust
meetings, those for the upper tier of covered in the main Brian and Kevin and
birth of TSR, Inc., TSR Ventures, TSR
personnel at expensive resort facilities. I me, it is likely that this corporation was
International and TSR Entertain- ment
attended one only, and my judgement seen as a more or less hidden income
was that the whole of the program was Corporation. The article refers to source by the Blumes.
farcical, nothing but waste. As I was "financial setbacks in the first half of When I was instructed by the Blumes
vocal in my opinion, it is likely that that 1983" as possible cause of this split. to move to the West Coast and head up
solidified the Blumes in their commitment Why was this structure put in place? TSR Entertainment, the first thing I noted
to the AMA. Was it effective? We know that TSR out there was a distinct dislike of TSR,
Their next step was to expand the Entertainment was renamed D&D this from earlier contact with the Blumes,
Board of Directors to six, bringing in three Entertainment Corporation and that it as far as I could ascertain. Thus I
'outside' directors, all members of the was instrumental, with your guidance, immediately requested the BoD for a
AMA. One was a lawyer from a large to the birth of the D&D Cartoon Show name change, and I got my way without
Milwaukee law firm. Another was a and that TSR Inc. was 'the' TSR for any real fight. That is likely due to the fact
personnel officer from a Milwaukee area fans and professionals, but what that the Blumes considered the operation
company. The third owned a company happened to the other two companies a good way to keep me out of their hair,
that made medical equipment. I was of the group? and the name I asked for was a logical
absolutely astonished at such a move. Of one considering the recognition factor.

Combat sans Matrix
Combat sansMatrix
A rapid "to-hit" arbitration system for OD&D combat
Erin D. Smale
AC values. This requires alteration, since

Introduction JW
nearly every other aspect of the game
Combat sessions in my OD&D camp- promotes high values over low. Indeed,
aign are, no pun intended, a double-edged even enchanted armour is described with
sword. For the players, it's a thrilling oppor- magical "plusses" such that, bafflingly, a
tunity to flex their fantasy muscles and suit of leather +2 provides more protection
overcome their characters' foes. For the than a suit of leather 1, despite the fact
DM (read: me), it's a potentially tedious that lower numbers are better than higher
time to consult combat matrices, add up ones.
modifiers, and umpire "to-hit" rolls. Don't The new AC system described herein
get me wrongcombat is an important part favours high values, comprised of a base
of the game, and I like a hard-won fantasy AC figure augmented by modifiers that
rumble as much as the next guy. But let's represent armour worn, the use of a shield,
not kid ourselves: combat can be a pain, Dexterity adjustments, and other appropr-
because arbitrating it fairly is sometimes iate factors. The benefit of the system is
more work than play. Ironically, as the that it accommodates, without the need for
fastest-paced part of OD&D, combat alteration, all of the existing AC modifiers
probably slows down the game the most. extant within the rules. With little effort,
Unfortunately, that's the way the OD&D players and DMs can convert AC
original game designers paved that partic- values from the official system, calculate
ular road, and the "official" combat system, new AC values within the new system, and
while largely suited to its task, has some quickly recognise the intuitive value of the
serious speed bumps. The relationship switch.1
between the attacking "to-hit" roll and the
defender's armour class is among the most Base Armour Class
vexing in this respect, simply because it Base armour class is a being's AC
takes one of several various tables printed value sans protection, or, put another way,
in small type to interpret the result of each a being's worst natural AC. In the official
toss of the combat die. If you've played system, the worst value possible is AC is 9,
OD&D for any length of time, you already and this represents the base AC for most.
understand how combat works. But you Those with natural armour (e.g., scales or
also have an idea of the time required to a thick hide) or DEX adjustments possess
referee a single attack. For most attacks, it better base AC values. For example, a
takes only a few seconds, but there is character with a Dexterity score of 16 (a +2
always that attack laden with a slew of bonus) has a base AC of 7; a black widow
modifiers, the attack that, for one reason or
another, takes a disproportionate share of Armour Class spider (RC2/206) has a base AC of 6.
To set armour class back on the intuit-
time to figure out. The first task in streamlining combat is ive track, upon which high numbers are
I don't advocate a complete overhaul to make sense out of armour class values. better than low, we need first to convert
of the official system, but I do think that Fundamentally, the idea of AC is good: it's base AC values. Let's assume that there
ways exist to make combat easier to a single number used to indicate the exists a deliberate correspondence
arbitrate. If you've every balked at the need degree to which a combatant is protected between the d20 "to-hit" roll and the official
for your character to roll "higher" to hit a from physical blows. As it stands in the armour class range: namely, that the
"lower" AC numbers, or you've taken the official rules, however, AC is not exactly current AC values occupy the d20's low
time to deliberately memorise which pages intuitive: for reasons not entirely known to side (i.e., 1 to 9). Since we're converting to
of the rulebook contain the combat this writer, the original D&D authors chose high numbers, we'll look for new AC values
matrices, this article may provide a more to present armour class in a puzzling on the d20's high side, or, more precisely,
intuitive solution. manner: low AC values are better than high from 11 to 20.

Combat sans Matrix
To maintain consistency, we'll establish system, a hobgoblin (now with a base AC its corres- ponding THMod, literally a
that each point below ten in the official AC of 14) wearing leather will benefit from the cumulative total of all modifiers pertinent to
system is counted as a single point above armour's +2 AC modifier; such a humanoid that attack. As in combat described within
10 in the new system. Thus, the base AC 9 has an AC of 16. the official rules, high "to-hit" rolls are
in the official rules becomes a base AC 11 desirable, so high THMod values are
within the new system. For those with Converting Official AC Values likewise sought. The nature of the THMod
improved armour classes, the same form- system allows that attack modifiers cited in
ula applies; a black widow's official AC is 6; Astute readers will note that the fastest the official rules may be applied to the
under this system, base AC becomes 14. way to translate an official AC value to the THMod system without alteration.
new system is to simply subtract it from 20.
For example, an official OD&D character
Determining Actual AC with plate mail and a shield +1 (AC 1)
Base THMod
A combatant's actual armour class is becomes AC 19 [20 1 = 19]. This simplifi- The base THMod for any attack is bas-
determined by applying all normal AC ed system is recommended for use only ed on the attacker's class and level (or hit
modifiers to the base AC value. For when converting opponents from official dice if a monster). As shown on the exist-
example, a ring of protection +3 grants a publications, since, as mentioned, combat- ing combat matrices (RC/106-7), the most
+3 modifier to the wearer's base AC. A ants with an improved base AC may enjoy efficient attackers are monsters, followed
DEX adjustment of -1 modifies base AC by a better actual AC than in the official rules. by fighters, then clerics and thieves, and
-1. A normal shield, which improves AC by finally magic-users. As characters earn
1, provides an AC modifier of +1; a shield Using the New AC Values in experience levels, and monsters grow in hit
+2 provides an AC modifier of +3. Unless dice, base THMod values improve, using a
otherwise noted, all such AC modifiers are Combat progression derived from the official
cumulative. With high AC values representing bett- combat "to-hit" tables.
Actual suits of armour, under the new er protection than low values, it becomes a While the base THMod values are
system, no longer provide an overall AC simple matter to determine the outcome of summarised in the following matrices, it is
value per se; instead, they modify one's a "to-hit" roll: Simply put, if the modified worth noting that the values were
base AC. For example, leather armour "to-hit" roll is equal to or greater than the determined by cross-referencing the
provides, in the official rules, an AC of 7, defender's AC, the attack hits and damage attacker's class and level with an (official)
which is two points better than the typical may be rolled. If the "to-hit" roll is less than AC of 0 on a d20 "to-hit" roll, then
base AC of 9. In the new system, then, the defender's AC, the attack misses. subtracting that value from 20. Thus, a
leather armour provides a +2 AC modifier. The time-saving result of this 7th-level fighter, who needs a 15 to hit an
A revised table of AC modifiers for official convention is that the existing combat AC 0 defender, has a base THMod value of
armour types is cited below and is matrices (RC/106-7) no longer need be +5. A normal man, who requires a 20 to
suggested to replace that found on RC/67: consulted. If you want combat to go even hit an AC 0 opponent, has a base THMod
value of nil (or +0). By contr- ast, a 15HD
monster has a THMod of +12.
As shown, no base THMod value
Table 1: Armour Types 3 should be lower than zero, though other
Armour Type AC Mod Cost (gp) Enc (cn) Body Location(s)3 modifiers could render an attacker's overall
THMod for a certain attack negative.
Banded Mail +5 50 450 Torso, Arms
Chain Mail +4 40 400 Torso, Arms
Suit Armour +10 250 750 Head, Torso, Arms, Legs Determining Actual THMod
Leather Armour +2 20 200 Torso, Arms An attacker's base THMod is the
Plate Mail +6 60 500 Torso, Arms, Legs foundation of any "to-hit" roll, though the
Scale Mail +3 30 300 Torso, Arms actual THMod of individual attacks can
Shield +1 10 100 Shield side of defender vary. To determine an attack's actual
THMod, one must apply all normal attack
modifiers to the base THMod value. For
Using Table 1, then, a character with a smoother, though, you can dovetail the example, a sword +2 grants a +2 THMod
base AC 11 wearing leather armour has an new armour class system with our THMod to any attack made with that weapon. A
actual armour class of 13. The same system, described below: STR adjustment of -1 modifies all STR-
character with chain mail and shield has an based attacks by -1. Attacks from behind,
AC of 16. which normally grant a +2 "to-hit" modifier
A significant consequence of this
THMod (To Hit Modifier) (RC/108), provide a +2 THMod within this
system is that creatures with improved The THMod system is based loosely on system. Unless otherwise noted, all such
base AC values are better protected when xD&D's unofficial THAC0 (To Hit Armour AC modifiers are cumulative.
they wear armour than in the official rules. Class 0) system. However, much of the
For example, a hobgoblin's official AC is 6 math from even that easy-to-use Base THMod Values by Class
(RC/185). Under the official rules, if a modification has been removed. In
hobgoblin wears leather armour, his AC conjunction with the revised AC guidelines
and Level
remains at 6, since leather (AC 7) provides above, the THMod system ensures that Use Table 2 to determine the base
worse protection than the hobgoblin's you'll never have to consult a combat THMod values for PCs and NPCs, as
natural AC. However, using the new matrix again. Within this revised "to-hit" derived from the existing OD&D combat
system, each d20 attack roll is modified by matrices (RC/106-7):

Combat sans Matrix
= +3 [+3 (4th-level fighter) +2 (Skilled

Table 2: Base THMod Values by Class and Level mastery) +2 (attack from behind) -4
(total darkness)]
Magic-User Level Cleric/Thief Level4 Fighter Level5 Base THMod
Goblin warrior unskilled with the spear:
1-5 1-4 1-3 +1
THMod = -1 [+1 (HD 1-1) -2 (Unskilled
6 - 10 5-8 4-6 +3
mastery) = -1]
11 - 15 9 - 12 7-9 +5
2nd-level thief with DEX 16 and Basic
16 - 20 13 - 16 10 - 12 +7
mastery of the long bow, firing at short
21 - 25 17 - 20 13 - 15 +9
range: THMod = +3 [+1 (2nd-level thief)
26 - 30 21 - 24 16 - 18 +11 +2 (DEX adj.) +0 (Basic mastery) +0
31 - 35 25 - 28 19 - 21 +13 (short range) = +3]
36 29 - 32 22 - 24 +15
33 - 35 25 - 27 +17
36 28 - 30 +18
Conclusion
31 - 33 +19 This article provides a rapid method for
34 - 36 +20 resolving attacks by making "to-hit" roll
results clear without the need to consult
existing combat matrices. The beauty of
Base THMod Values by Mon- NPC/monster description. Below are some this system is that it requires only slight
THMod examples: effort on the part of DMs and players, who
ster Hit Dice or Attack Rank are otherwise free to use the armour class
Pyrohydra with 11 hit dice, attacking
Use Table 3 to determine base THMod and combat modifiers as presented in the
from above: THMod = +11 [+10 (HD 11) official rules without alteration. With a little
values for monsters and demi-humans
+1 (attack from above) = +11] preparatory work, the systems described
using attack ranks. As with the THMod
values cited on Table 2, the figures on 4th-level fighter with Skilled mastery above are suitable for any OD&D
Table 3 are derived from the existing with the sword: THMod = +5 [+3 (4th- campaign; with all optimism, I hope they
OD&D combat matrices (RC/106-7). level fighter) +2 (Skilled mastery) = +5] save you time and make combat resolution
Note that demi-humans use the Fighter 4th-level fighter, as above, attacking as exhilarating as it ought to be...
Level column on Table 2 until reaching from behind in total darkness: THMod Continued on page 28 ...
their level limit. For dwarves, this is 12th-
level; for elves, this is 10th-level; and for
halflings, this is 8th-level. After these levels
are reached, high-level demi-humans use Table 3: Base THMod Values by Monster Hit Dice or Attack Rank
the attack rank on their respective level Monster Attack Base Monster Attack Base
advancement chart (RC/24, 26, and 27 for Hit Dice Rank THMod Hit Dice Rank THMod
dwarves, elves, and halflings, respectively).
Normal Man 0 13+ to 15 H +12
Up to 1 (inclusive) +1 15+ to 17 I +13
THMod Modifiers (General) 1+ to 2 +2 17+ to 19 J +14
A combatant's base THMod value is 2+ to 3 +3 19+ to 21 K +15
always modified by the standard attack 3+ to 4 +4 21+ to 23 L +16
modifiers outlined in various locations of 4+ to 5 A +5 23+ to 25 M +17
the official rules (weapon mastery 5+ to 6 B +6 25+ to 27 +18
modifiersare adapted from RC/76 while 6+ to 7 C +7 27+ to 29 +18
other attack modifiers are taken from
7+ to 8 D +8 29+ to 31 +18
RC/108). Unless otherwise noted, all
modifiers noted on Table 4 are cumulative. 8+ to 9 E +9 31+ to 33 +19
9+ to 11 F +10 33+ to 35 +19
11+ to 13 G +11 35+ and up +20
THMod Modifiers in Combat
During an attack, the player or DM
need simply apply all relevant THMod
modifiers to the standard d20 "to-hit" roll. If
Table 4: General THMod Factors
the modified result is equal to or greater Condition Modifier Condition Modifier
than the defender's AC (as determined Weapon Mastery: UN -2 Attacker Exhausted -2
using the system detailed earlier), the Weapon Mastery: BA 0 Target Exhausted +2
attack hits and damage may be rolled. If
Weapon Mastery: SK 2 Total Darkness -4
the modified "to-hit" roll is less than the
defender's AC, the attack fails. Weapon Mastery: EX 4 Partial Darkness -2
For convenience and easy look-ups, it Weapon Mastery: MS 6 Missile Range: Pt. Blank 6 +1
is recommended that a combatant's Weapon Mastery: GM 8 Missile Range: Short 0
THMod with each weapon or attack type be Attack from Behind 2 Missile Range: Medium -1
noted on the character sheet or Attack from Above 1 Missile Range: Long -3

&1&1

FSPM
The World of
A new campaign world for OD&D, in two parts

Carl Quaif
The Old Countries: The original explored by the Dramani - the small,
The Planet "cradle" of civilisation on Draman, The north-eastern portion they have examined
Old Countries are actually several doz- is scorched desert (where the
Herol is considerably smaller than
en small kingdoms clustered together aforementioned nomads dwell). The rest is
Mystara, with a circumference of less than
in the south-west corner of the contine- unknown territory.
10,000 miles. It circles its sun in a much
nt. Although once far advanced in Finally, the lesser continent is Gileme,
closer orbit than Mystara; the Herolian year
comparison to the rest of the planet, far to the West, which is covered in thick
is only ten months long, as Mystarans
most of these realms have slipped into forest and jungle. Knowledge of this land -
measure time. However, its slower axial
a "Dark Ages" period of non-develop- commonly called the "Demi-Human
rotation gives Herol a "normal" 24-hour
ment within the last thousand years, Homeland" - comes from Elven and
day.
and show no signs of emerging any Halfling immigrants during the last 500
Unlike Mystara, Herol is solid all the
time soon. Most of their time is spent years (Dwarves are the only Demi-humans
way through. Its incredibly dense core
waging petty wars on each other and native to Draman), and is sketchy at best.
causes it to generate a gravitational pull
equal to that of Mystara (and is what ignoring/turning their noses up at the
causes its slow rotation). Herol has an
unusually thick crust which is all of a piece;
young and vibrant civilisation encroach-
ing on their outermost territories. The Solar System
due to this, earthquakes and volcanoes are The One Thousand Cities: The There are five major planets in the
all but unknown. Geological examination, if Heroli System, of which the innermost is
north-western portion of the continent -
such a skill were available, would reveal Herol itself. The next world out is Galeia,
up to the edges of the North Polar
that Herol itself is no more than 10 million which occupies an orbit slightly further from
region - contain multitudes of fortified,
Herolian years old. the Sun than Mystara does in its own sys-
independent City-States, each one
Herol has two major and one minor tem; this planet is mostly barren rock and
claiming and vigorously defending a
continental land-masses, plus numerous ice, but a narrow temperate band, measur-
swathe of land around them against
islands ranging in size from a mile or two ing 100 miles in width and bounded by high
all-comers. [Note that "One Thousand
across to almost sub-continental. Its poles mountain ridges on either edge, does circle
Cities" is a poetic title, rather than an
are both frozen, landless conglomerations the planet's equator. Within that area, life
accurate tally of City-States.]
of ice. The most densely-populated proliferates; the majority of life-forms here
continent, Draman, holds three main, The sparsely-settled, mountainous are primitive, devolved races, the degener-
humanocentric accretions of population:- north-eastern segment is home to several ate descendants of long-ago settlers.
dozen Dwarf Strongholds, and is the last However, this world also harbours powerful
The Empire of Jael: The youngest and bastion of the ancient Dwarfish culture. At Wizards (migrs from Herol, in most
most dynamic grouping, the Empire one time, these were to be found all over cases, although some "Wizards" instead
has existed for many hundreds of years the continent, but the burgeoning Human rely on technology to produce their
as a loose confederation of states und- population has driven the elder race to the wonders), strange, unknown societies (de-
er a nominal High King. It has under- less-hospitable regions in the last few scendants of those Wizards, and of their
gone a fairly rapid expansion in the last thousand years. [Many Dwarfs now live and servants) and relics of both advanced tech-
two centuries, conquering or absorbing work in Human lands; demographics nology and powerful magic (from Herol's
every kingdom it has come across; it suggest as many Dwarfs live in "Blackmoor" period, 100,000 years ago).
dominates the south-eastern corner of Human-controlled areas as in the entire After Galeia are Kromus and Derelion,
Draman. Showing no signs of slowing Dwarf Territories.] both uninhabitable gas giants orbited by
its growth, the Empire is now beginning The other major continent, to the lifeless moons of frozen rock; and furthest
to encroach on territories claimed by south-west of Draman, is called Uran'Dar out is Maybe, an extraordinarily-bright
the outermost of the Old Countries. by its nomadic natives. It has been little object of roughly-Herolian size, which

&1&1
appears to vanish and reappear from the named for the metals worked by different occupied by small, warm-blooded, reptilian
skies at different times of the year. Herolian clans; Alloymont, the first of the year, signi- species; their development has been
astronomers believe that Maybe possesses fies the melding of all clans into one nation. practically identical up to this point.
a large, dark satellite which blocks its However, around this time, explorers
radiance (actually, the planet is and settlers from Maybe arrive (via
dimensionally unstable, and periodically Timeline enormous Gate magics) on Galeia and
slides out of normal space into the settle there, using their advanced magical
The following is a timeline for Herol as
Nightmare Dimension and back. It is powers to manipulate indigenous plants
the Immortals know it. The dating system is
inhabited by Mujina, Malfera, and all and animals.
that used by the Empire of Jael, since it is
manner of Nightmare denizens).
the most accurate of the calendars
Herol itself is orbited by a single moon, 1,450,000 PE: The Berserker Wars. The
currently in use. "PE" is "Pre-Empire", the
known variously as Ranya (in the Empire of Galeian settlers are wiped out by Berserk-
period before Jael the High King
Jael), Sialli (in the Old Countries), or Luun ers, massive saurian humanoids bred from
consolidated the disparate realms into an
(in the One Thousand Cities). Equivalent in the now-extinct indigenous species to
Empire; "GT" is "Golden Time", the period
size to Matera (in relation to its primary), it serve as gladiators and warrior-proxies, in
since that date.
influences the tides in a similar fashion. just over ten years. The Wars devastate
c. 10 million PE: The Heroli System forms the fertile band, causing a long period of
famine which eventually destroys the few
Calendars from cosmic gasses; the Sun ignites. At
this time, there are four main planets (later surviving animal species. within 300 years
The Heroli year is 300 days long, called Herol, Galeia, Kromus, and only plant-life survives on Galeia.
divided into ten months of 30 days each. Derelion). Tiny, cold moons of rock and ice A few settlers manage to escape the
The starting point for each year varies form around the gas giants Kromus and slaughter by Gating to Herol, the nearest
according to which calendar is used. For Derelion; Herol and Galeia lack satellites of habitable world; they bring poor fragments
details, see the chart below:- any kind. of their magical technology with them.
Attempts to manipulate the development of
native Heroli lifeforms go poorly, as
knowledge slips away from the refugees
Herolian Calendars with each passing generation. Within ten
Empire of Jael 1,000 Cities Old Countries Northwestern generations, the refugees have reverted to
a pre-Stone Age existence. The
Territories
slightly-evolved test subjects, however,
Perema* Zannath Lightfall Coppermont begin to thrive.
Keleia Corennath Browngrass Ironmont
Jarra Maloth* Whitecold Steelmont 400,000 PE: On the continent of Gileme,
Ormaea Duloth Sundark* Bronzemont the alien settlers have evolved into precur-
sors of the Elf-race; elsewhere, the far
Tarla Kavaloth Earthiron Silvermont more numerous native creatures - primarily
Akka Eroth Greenshoot Tinmont mammals, but including some residual
Nos'Akka Wulath Whiteflower Goldmont saurian or lizardlike races - have develop-
ed into crude humanoid subspecies.
Velima Veridath Newleaf Brassmont
Around this time, the Immortal Iroin takes
Dallala Lerabath Sunbright Platinmont an interest in the pre-Stone Age culture on
Hamala Sarrath Cropharvest Alloymont* the continent of Draman, and begins to
steer their evolution to his own ends.
* = signifies the first month of the year in that area.
350,000 PE: Due to solar flares, Herol
goes through a "hothouse" period; the
Notes on dating systems: The Old Count- c. 4 million PE: A cosmic rift to the Night- polar ice melts, raising the sea level. Native
ries' calendar is derived from that used by mare Dimension opens on the outskirts of boat-building dwellers on the island chains,
the Lost Empires.The Jaeli calendar begins the Herolian System. The bright planet seeing their homelands swallowed up more
in the month when Emperor Jael was crow- later called "Maybe" by the Heroli slips into and more by the sea each year, migrate to
ned. The City-States' calendar is derived the universe and takes up an orbit far the continent of Gileme. Limited food-
from the building-date of Jalakka.The beyond Derelion. The rift closes only supplies and living-space have caused this
Dwarfish calendar's origin dates from when partially; the planet remains dimensionally subspecies to develop as small, light crea-
Iroin first became their Patron. unstable, sliding back and forth between tures - the precursors to the Halfling race.
the "normal" and Nightmare universes in a The natives of Draman are developing
Notes on month-names: The months of rough 13-year cycle. as short, broad, powerful creatures,
the Jaeli calendar are derived from the Coincidentally(?), life (simple, according to Iroin's design. Although most
ancient Lerenaki counting system.The unicellular organisms) begins to develop are still hunter-gatherers or primitive
months of the 1,000 Cities' calendar are independently on both Herol and Galeia farmers, a few have begun to explore the
named for the apocryphal "12 Kings of the within a few thousand years of this event. rudiments of mining. On Uran'Dar, the
North".The months of the Old Countries' native premen have evolved without
calendar are given their ancient folk- 1,500,000 PE: Both Herol and Galeia interference, and are still at a simpler stage
titles.The months of the Dwarf calendar are (along its fertile, temperate band) are of development.

The World of Herol
cataclysm, and those that do are mostly

saved by luck or the Immortals (who drain
their power greatly to prevent total annihil-
ation; many Immortals are themselves slain
in the effort, Gur'Midal among them).
The magical energies of Herol are
drastically - perhaps permanently -
depleted by this event. The Immortals
determine that the power might eventually
regenerate, however, and decide to limit
mortal access to magic, in order to both
prevent a recurrence of this tragedy and
give the planet a chance to recover. They
decide to bind all magical use into the art
of Branding and its derivations; now,
no-one can access magic - either mystical
or divine - unless they sacrifice some of
their health or ability to receive a Brand.
Certain Immortals teach chosen subjects
the skill of Branding in their dreams; these
The solar system is formed ... first few awake with the black circle of the
Overbrand magically imprinted upon their
foreheads.
110,000 PE: Modern Man is now 95,000 PE: Mortal magic has rivalled the Civilisation is all but wiped out by this
widespread across Uran'Dar; the first power of the Immortals themselves for event; the planet enters a Dark Age, from
civilisations have formed, and are thousands of years, and mighty spells, which it will not emerge for many, many
beginning to develop the arts of war. which tap into the power of the planet itself, millennia.
Pre-existing Immortals are garnering are almost commonplace. Most people can
followings amongst the various peoples; use magic, either directly or via Immortal c. 45,000 PE: A Branded Mage named
the first Herol-native Immortal, the worship; those few who cannot do so Derelion ascends to Immortality in the
now-forgotten Gur'Midal, will ascend to employ Branding to let them touch the Sphere of Thought; he has the distinction
Immortality within the next few years. power. Considerable numbers of mortals of being the first new Immortal to emerge
Explorers from Uran'Dar discover Draman have attained Immortality in the last few since the cataclysm.
around this time, coming into contact with millennia. Due to ideal living conditions and
the indigenous Dwarfs (who at this stage lack of dangerous diseases or predators, 10,000-5105 PE: The Age of the Lost
call themselves "Iroin's People", which is population growth has spiralled during the Empires. During this period, the Southwest
wrongly translated as "Ironfolk" by the last two thousand years; overpopulation is region of Draman becomes the home to a
explorers; partly because of the Dwarfs' now a serious problem. The mightiest succession of large, powerful Empires; that
superior metalworking skills, the name is Mages and Clerics on Herol meet in portion of the continent becomes either a
retained). council, and decide to combine their centre for learning and enlightenment, or a
Numerous settlers will travel from powers to create a massive extra-Planar vicious and corrupt realm of slavers and
Uran'Dar to Draman as their homeland Gate, through which they will drag one or warmongers, depending on which Empire
becomes more crowded during the next more inhabitable planets to occupy the is in power. This period marks the first
few centuries, adopting and adapting the "trojan points" of Herol's orbit, thereby resurgence of true civilisation since the fall
Dwarvish technology, eventually far providing unlimited living-space. After of the Age of Legends. Circa 9,000 PE,
outstripping their native continent in much searching, a small, verdant world is emigrants from the Empire of that period
development. found in a nearby alternate Prime Plane. head North and found Amaron, the first of
The Council decides to use this planet as a the One Thousand Cities.
100,000 PE: The Age of Legends: Herol test for its process. The last Empire, called "the Realm of
has reached a technological Golden Age, The plan fails disastrously. Attempting the Undying Sun" in the few surviving texts,
comparable with the civilisation of first to pull the planet into this universe drains finally falls in 5105 PE due to plague,
settlers on Galeia, so long ago. the already-overtaxed magic of Herol to famine, and riots. Many people escape to
Interplanetary travel has become dangerously-low levels, robbing the the East, eventually forming the Eastern
sufficiently advanced to send explorers to populace of their powers. Passage through Kingdoms. Both the Northern and Eastern
Galeia, whose fertile band is now a verdant the Gate strips the captive planet of its Diaspora displace the Dwarfs who have
realm. Many settlers relocate there over the biosphere, killing millions of life-forms. lived on the land for millennia - Iroin's
next century. In addition to technological Unable to control the new world's motion, careful shepherding of his people has
wonders, the art of Magic has grown to the Council watch it slip into close orbit allowed them to bloom during the dark
unprecedented heights amongst around Herol, which causes massive times, but they choose to give way to the
humankind, permitting the greatest earthquakes and tidal waves around the more militaristic Humans rather than force
Wizards to perform miracles of a type world, slaying billions. Civilisation is all but a conflict. This pattern will be repeated,
never seen before (or since). The art of destroyed, except in certain protected (or time and again, until the Dwarf realm is
Branding, a minor, hedge-wizard skill, has extremely lucky) locations. Less than one reduced to the inhospitable north-eastern
its beginnings around this time. in ten thousand people survive the segment of the continent.

The World of Herol
c. 8,900 PE: A powerful Mage-turned- 10 PE: Jael, now a renowned and very the bearer. Herol's Clerics, Druids and
Merchant named Lomor ascends to Immor- successful General, is named Heir to the Magic-Users all rely on a Brand - usually
tality in the Sphere of Time, having created High King, by an overwhelming majority of granted at childhood - to allow them to
Amaron, a small mercantile Kingdom, far to votes. Six months later, Forien dies of a access their class-related powers. High-
the North; his realm will endure (in one massive heart attack; Jael, in the midst of a level spellcasters may, in turn, learn the
form or another) for millennia, eventually Summer campaign, is immediately recalled skill of Branding, creating new designs with
evolving into the City-State of Jalakka. to take up his duties. unique or variant powers; unlike the
Masters of Brands (see below), this does
3,500 PE: Govenai, a Master of Brands 7 PE: Merelith, a powerful Cleric of not require them to take on an Overbrand.
living in what is now called "the Old Count- Kromus, ascends to Immortality in the In addition to standard spellcasters,
ries", dies and is reanimated as Herol's first Sphere of Energy - one of only a handful of there are guilds of Brand Masters found all
Vampire. Within 50 years he has ascended mortals to do so since the Age of Legends over Herol. These are skilled artists, select-
to Immortality in the Sphere of Entropy; this ended. ed in childhood to wear the Overbrand,
marks the beginning of the slow spread of which allows them to create Brands without
Vampirism across the continent. 6 PE: Determining that what the squabbling needing to reach high levels of spellcasting
Kingdoms need is strong leadership, Jael expertise - but which severely limits their
407 PE: The Treaty of Three Kingdoms. begins to consolidate his power base, ability to progress in any class. Brand
The three Kings of Lerenak, Baer and placing his own loyal men in charge of the Masters of varying skill are found all over
Voros - warring, neighbouring nations in various national armies and seeding the the known world, although their abilities
the south-eastern corner of Draman - Royal advisors with those sympathetic to and portfolios vary greatly.
agree to elect a High King to oversee his own ideals. His hold over the three Dwarf followers of Iroin, dwelling in the
disputes between their lands. The High Kingdoms grows firmer every year. Strongholds of north-eastern Draman,
King will have a estate to rule at the practice the art of creating Forge-Marks,
epicentre of the three lands, but no real 0 GT: Jael the High King forces the Kings carved Brands which empower items with
power; his purpose will be as arbiter and of Lerenak, Voros and Baer to sign over magical power; this skill is also practised
final judge in their disputes. The High King individual control of their realms to him; his by some humans, and in certain parts of
is selected by lot from landless nobles in Dream of Empire is complete. The Empire the continent has been subsumed into
the three Kingdoms; Lord Geranda of of Jael is born. The modern system of Brand Master lore, but few have the skills
Lerenak wins the title. dating commences from this point. of the Dwarf artisan.
Elves on the continent of Gileme (and
300 PE: The forested continent of Gileme 3 GT: In the new Empire of Jael, a powerful their recent descendants) practice the art
is discovered, far to the West of Draman, Fighter-Thief named Horelle ascends to of beseeching the mindless spirits of wood
by the ragtag survivors of a lost trading Immortality in the Sphere of Time. She and water to enter into objects worked from
convoy. Exploration parties come across adopts the name Ranya (the name given to natural substances - particularly wood -
both friendly, burrow-dwelling Halfling the moon in the Jaeli regions), and and imbue them with power. These Embo-
farmers and mysterious, tree-worshipping becomes the Moon-Immortal for the diment rituals are a last, degraded remnant
Elves. They form treaties with nearby Empire. At about the same time, Merelith of the vast magics once possessed by the
communities, and manage to obtain help in debuts as Sun-Immortal; the pair are Elves' off-worlder ancestors.
repairing their ships. A few members of quickly declared to be twin sisters by their The Halflings of Gileme long ago
each race return with the repaired and respective Clerics. developed a variant practice, based on the
reprovisioned ships; many more follow, in Elvish form of worship, involving the
ships of their own design, over the next few 105 GT: The Fiend known as Szthonda calling-upon of "Ancestral Guardian-Spirits"
decades. "the Burning Dark", Patron of a small (actually nature-spirits of a specific type) to
kobold tribe, appears to a group of human temporarily infuse prepared totemic objects
47 PE: Jael, a nephew of High King Forien, - like Gri-Gris or totem wands - with
exiles in the Northern wastes and
is born in the Kingdom of Lerenak. A commands them to build her a temple to spell-like powers. This skill, called Ritual
comet, clearly visible in the night sky, manifest in. The City-State of Deremond Enchantment, has been preserved by
passes overhead on the night of his birth. springs up around the temple. emigrant Halflings, and combines well with
This is taken as a good omen for the the powers of Branded Magi.
babe's future. There are humanoid (and even human)
200 GT: The present day.
Shamans on Herol; these lack spellcasting
35 PE: The young Jael, while at sword powers, relying instead upon direct inter-
practice, is inexplicably struck by a light-
ning bolt from out of a cloudless sky. He is
The Nature of Magic vention by their Patron Immortals, which is
invoked and beseeched by prayer and by
unconscious for an hour; upon awakening, As per most human-occupied worlds sacrifice of both animals and (if necessary)
he is consumed with a message he appar- throughout the multiverse, magic is divided intelligent creatures. The majority of these
ently received from the Immortal Kromus - into two forms - divine (provided by tribes worship Entropic Fiends, rather than
what Jael calls his "Dream of Empire". powerful, Immortal beings in response to true Immortals, who are summoned by
worship) and mystic (shaped and their followers to perform their wonders in
27 PE: Jael enters the military and rises controlled by the will of the individual). person. Most such tribes practise the skill
through the ranks at meteoric speed, What makes Herol so different to other of ritually tattooing themselves; occasion-
earning the respect of all who come under worlds is the specialised way in which ally, an Immortal Patron might be prevailed
his command. Many feel him to be these powers are accessed. Heroli practice upon to empower these crude designs,
"touched by the Immortals", and there is the art of creating magical Brands, tattoos granting true powers to the recipient.
much wrangling to be assigned under him. which provide some power or capability to

The World of Herol
level Mage (before this Brand is applied, wish to advance in the Church. This
DM's note: the demi-human and
their training is devoted to the theoretical involves the acquisition of the specific
humanoid systems of magic are side of Magecraft). Magi may take on class-related Brand, which grants the
probably best restricted to NPCs and to apprentices at 11th level - the earliest level powers of that class at 1st level; most who
PCs of at least name level. In the latter at which the Branding skill may be learnt by do this do not advance in the class,
case, the forms may be learnt as skills, a non-Brand Master. There are no however. To improve the abilities granted,
at the DM's option. Specialist Mage-classes on Herol, but any the adventurer must plough all xp gained in
individual Mage can choose to specialise in a particular adventure (decided on a
The reason Herol's magic is so the magic he chooses to practice. case-by-case basis) into the Branded
restricted is unknown by any mortal now class, gaining nothing in his primary
living. Some Sages theorise that the Clerics: Young novices are taken in at vocation. Although an individual might
Immortals, or at least those prevalent in the between nine and twelve years of age, to acquire several class-related Brands, only
distant past, restricted magic to slow the be trained in the rituals and traditions of one can be improved in this fashion - no
ascension of new Immortals who might their church. Like Mages, above, they individual may Dual-Class in more than two
supplant them. Others suspect that, at receive the Priest Brand in their last year of adventuring professions, nor may they
some point in the planet's history, Herol's training. A Cleric may induct Acolytes into advance beyond 1st level unless their
magic was freely available; but some the church at 12th level, when the Branding attributes are sufficiently high.
cataclysmic event reduced its potency so skill becomes available. Certain Immortals
much that now it can only be tapped (Merelith, in particular) offer their followers Demi-Humans: The majority of
through the medium of the Brands. the opportunity to become Druids, instead; demi-humans (in particular, those Elves
The truth lies somewhere in-between; Druid-Acolytes receive similar training as and Halflings still dwelling on the Continent
Herol's magic was permanently denuded Cleric-Acolytes. Because of the of Gileme) are Fighters, due to the scarcity
by the mighty spells created and cast Branding-restriction, the concept of Druids of Masters of Brands amongst them,
during its Age of Legends. The Immortals, as "self-taught wilderness-Priests" is although they do have the advantage of
fearing a permanent loss of all magic, unknown on Herol; those who follow this racial abilities (use the standard Dwarf and
stepped in to place artificial limits on route become Hermits, instead - Halfling character classes, plus the
mortals' ability to draw on its power. These nature-dwelling, spell-less wise men who non-spellcasting Elf-Warrior class from the
remain in place even today, and will most (DM's choice) advance as Fighters, if they Hollow World boxed set). Those who dwell
likely do so for all time. advance at all. on Draman have a greater range of classes
In addition, many Immortals grant available to them. There are no level limits
extra, minor abilities to their devoted for Heroli demi-humans.
DM's note: mortals dwelling on Herol's Priests (see Immortal Worship, below).
sister-planet Galeia do not require
Dwarfs may be Fighters, Fighter-
Brands to utilise magic - Galeia never Thieves: The standard "Thief" class is
experienced the loss of magic suffered Thieves, Clerics (of Iroin, if born in the
unknown on Herol; there is no single Brand Dwarf Territories, or of any local
by Herol. Should Galeian spellcasters - which supplies the skills and abilities of this
or those from other Prime Planes - arrive Immortal if born elsewhere), or Druids
class, as with Clerics and Mages, above. (of Merelith in the Empire, or Varalle in
on Herol, they will be able to cast spells However, any class can choose to receive
as normal, as the planet's magical the Old Countries). Dwarfs generally
one or more Brands which provide limited distrust magic - a race-memory
potential has (at least partially) replen- Thief-skills (the Moon-Touched Brand, for
ished itself over the last 200,000 years. holdover from the cataclysm, so long
example, provides Hide in Shadows ability, ago - so a pure Dwarf Mage is unlikely,
while the Hands-in-Shadow Brand grants although Fighter-Magi might be found
Pickpocketing skills), and plough some of in cosmopolitan areas. Other
Character Classes their experience (xp) into improving or
developing those additional skills. The PC
Dual-Classed Dwarfs are possible, but
rare. Dwarf NPCs may be Masters of
Most of the standard oD&D character may place whatever portion of his earned Brands. Stronghold Dwarfs also
classes are available on Herol, but only xp he chooses into each Branded ability, practice the art of enchanting metallic
one - the Fighter - is possible for unBrand- retaining the rest for his primary class; and gemstone items - such as
ed natives. Details are given below:- each Brand has its own "experience level" weapons - with specialised Brands
chart (see Brands, below). The most (called Forge-Marks), as taught to them
Fighters: The majority of Heroli (above the common Thief-variants are simple by the Immortal Iroin.
"Normal Human" level) are Fighters, since Fighter-Thieves, since - unlike Magi or Elves may be Fighters,
they do not require Branding to advance in Clerics - they do not need to sacrifice hp or Fighter-Thieves, Clerics (if born in
this class. Fighters may Dual-Class if they attribute points for their primary class, but Draman, or converted; the Gileme
can acquire a Brand, and have sufficiently Mage-Thieves and Cleric-Thieves are not Elves serve nature-spirits, rather than
high Character Statistics (see below). A unknown. Immortals), Druids, or Magi.
Fighter may decide to take on trainees at
Dual-Classed Elves are possible, and
any time, charging a rate commensurate Dual-Class: Since all classes (bar the more common than for other
with their skill. basic Fighter) require the acquisition of one Demi-Humans; Fighter-Mage is a
or more Brands to advance, those with popular choice among those Elves with
Mages: Most potential Magi are chosen for some experience in their chosen class may sufficiently-high attributes. Elf NPCs
apprenticeship between the ages of eight wish to add the Brand of another class at a may be Masters of Brands. Gileme
and fourteen, and given the Warlock Brand later date; a Fighter may choose to add Elves also practise the art of charging
at the beginning of their last year of Clerical or Magical abilities to his wooden bows, arrows and other
training, granting them the powers of a 1st repertoire, for instance, or a Mage might

The World of Herol
weapons with the power of the belong to the same "family", despite their gain the ability to cast Maiden's Might (see
Nature-Spirits (a practice known as differing Spheres. The One Thousand below) on themselves only, once per day,
Embodiment), granting them a form of Cities each have a City Patron whose at 3rd level. This is in addition to their nor-
magical enhancement. church is the sole permitted "established" mal complement of spells. Those (of both
religion in that City-State - in some cases, sexes) who follow her "Comforter of the
Halflings may be Fighters, Fighter- the Patron is merely an Exalted being Slain" aspect gain Healing as a bonus skill.
Thieves, Clerics (in Draman; Gileme (such as a Titan or Fiend) who may or may
Halflings practice Ancestor-worship), or not have access to a spell-granting Artifact. Merelith (The Bright Lady, Empress of
Magi. Halflings rarely become Druids, Few Immortals actively support more than the Sun): Im16 (Empyreal), Energy.
since the Halfling mindset is more one City-State, unless it has been conquer- "Daughter" of Kromus and Senyanna, and
focused on cultivating the land, rather ed by another, although the same Immortal elder "twin sister" of Ranya, Merelith is the
than living in harmony with it. Dual- might be worshipped under different names Sun Immortal, and Patroness of Nature.
Classed Halflings are almost unheard in various Cities. Depicted as a golden-haired, amber-eyed
of. Halfling NPCs may be Masters of In the Old Countries, different King- young woman of flawless beauty, wearing
Brands. Gileme Halflings also practice doms worship separate groups or single dazzling white robes. She is served by both
the art of calling upon Ancestral Immortals; some of these have widespread Clerics (Sun aspect) and Druids (nature
Guardian-Spirits to temporarily infuse follower-bases, covering many Kingdoms, aspect, as "the Bright Lady"). Merelith's
prepared totem objects, granting them while others are limited to single towns or mortal origins lie within the Jaeli
power (called Ritual Enchantment). small regions. settlements that eventually became the
The following entities are among the Empire, where she was a Cleric of Kromus
NB: because of their wide evolutionary best known of Herol's Immortals:- who was encouraged, possibly by Kromus
divergence, interbreeding between himself, to pursue Immortality in a different
Humans and the Demi-Human races is Empire of Jael Sphere. She achieved Immortality a little
impossible; the races are infertile with over 200 years ago. Merelith more closely
Kromus (Warfather, Lord of the Skies): resembles her "uncle", Derelion, than
each other, so Half-Elves, half-Dwarves,
etc. are unknown. Im32 (Heirarch), Matter. The chief Immortal either of her "parents"; long-suppressed
of the Empire of Jael, Kromus is one of the rumours place Derelion as her father, with
eldest Immortals - his mortal origin, if any, Kromus fathering her twin, Ranya. This tale
A Note on Ageing: although Herol's year is long forgotten - and one of the best is now considered rankest heresy, and
is only ten (Mystaran) months in length, the known; ancient civilisations gave his name spreading it is punished severely - the Sun
maximum age-ranges for each species to one of the bright "wandering stars" in the Priests are particularly sensitive about the
should be considered equal their Mystaran night sky. Generally depicted as a tale's implications.
equivalents; the native races evolved and powerfully built, black-bearded man in late Clerics of Merelith in her "Sun
developed according to this world's life- middle-age, Kromus' statues either have Empress" aspect are able to Turn Undead
cycle. For example, a Heroli boy of ten will him wearing plate armour (in his aspect as as if one level higher than normal when the
be of equal development to his Mystaran Father of War) or a flowing, wind-swept Sun is in the sky; since many Undead are
equivalent, even though the latter would be cloak over regal clothing (as Lord of the not light-sensitive, this gift is more useful
twelve by Heroli terms. Should a Heroli Skies). Kromus is also revered in the Old than might be readily apparent. Druids who
journey to Mystara, he will age at a rate Countries as a Storm-Immortal, and is follow her "Bright Lady" aspect may cast
approximately one-sixth faster than a Patron Immortal of the City-State of the Faerie Fire spell once per day, starting
Mystaran native; conversely, Mystarans on Ohriman. at 1st level. This is in addition to their
Herol age one-sixth slower than the native Clerics of Kromus in his "Warfather" normal complement of spells.
populace. Inhabitants of Galeia - many of aspect are permitted to wield a longsword
whom are descended from transplanted from 1st level, and to gain levels of mastery
Heroli - age at the same rate as their in its use. Those who follow his "Lord of the Ranya (The Moon Queen, Lady of the
ancestors, despite the longer year on their Skies" aspect gain the ability to Predict Night): Im15 (Empyreal), Time. "Daughter"
world. Weather (as per the 1st level Druid spell) of Kromus and Senyanna, and younger
once per day at 1st level. This is in addition "twin sister" of Merelith, Ranya closely
to their normal complement of spells.
Immortal Worship resembles Senyanna, with midnight-black
tresses and moon-pale skin. Her eyes are
Senyanna (Lady of Battle, Comforter of fathomless pools of blackness. Ranya
The number of Immortals known to be
the Slain): Im30 (Eternal), Thought. In the wears light-drinking robes of black velvet.
worshipped on Herol is far smaller than
Jaeli Pantheon, Senyanna is considered to As a mortal, she was a Jaeli Fighter-Thief
Mystara's broad Pantheon; since the
be Kromus' wife and partner; like him, she named Horelle (Ranya was the name she
cataclysm, which cost the lives of most
is an advocate of war. The Jaeli believe acquired when she became Moon Queen,
native Heroli who had previously reached
that Senyanna comes for those slain in after the Empire's name for Herol's sat-
Immortality, only a handful of mortals have
battle, carrying them away to an afterlife in ellite) who followed Senyanna's teachings
managed to ascend to that level of
Paradise. Her worship has grown with the in her own fashion. She achieved Immorta-
existence. As a consequence, certain
Empire; two centuries ago, she was merely lity in the Sphere of Time a decade after
Exalted beings (in particular, the Fiends
the Patroness of Women Warriors (a role Merelith reached it in Energy, so their
and Demons of Entropy) have been
she still retains). Senyanna appears to be a respective followings appeared more or
adopted by certain tribes or communities
pale-skinned, black-haired warrior in less simultaneously; the pair have been
as pseudo-Immortals. The Empire of Jael
black-lacquered armour. considered sisters ever since. Served by
worship a small Pantheon of Immortals,
The exclusively female Clerics of her exclusively female Priesthood, called
who (according to their religious texts) all
Senyanna in her "Lady of Battle" aspect Moondaughters, Ranya is also worshipped

The World of Herol
by creatures of the night, such as Lycanth- individual Shrines to the Summer Queen Clerics of Govenai - the living ones, at
ropes or the occasional non-evil Vampire... and the Winter Queen, for instance, with a least - cannot Turn Undead; instead, they
and of course, by Fighter-Thieves like separate Priest for each. In life, Varalle may control Undead, as if an Undead
herself. was a Nature-Priest of a long-forgotten Liege, with the same results per level (i.e. if
Clerics of Ranya in her "Moon Queen" Immortal, who lived in tune with the a "normal" Cleric can automatically Turn a
aspect are able to see perfectly at night rhythms of nature; she hates and despises Skeleton, a Govenai Cleric can automatic-
while outdoors, so long as the moon is Undead, who exist outside the natural ally control it. Destruction-level Turning
visible in the sky; the range is 90', or 180' world, and encourages her followers to either operates as normal, or allows control
on the three nights of the full moon. Those destroy them when possible. of double the HD of Undead).
who serve her as "Lady of the Night" may Druids of Varalle in her "Lady of Trees"
cast the spell Darkness with double the aspect may cast the Detect Danger spell One Thousand Cities
normal duration. This must be memorised once per day, starting at 1st level. This is in
normally, as part of the normal complement addition to their normal complement of Lomor (Merchantfriend, Wealth-Bringer):
of spells. spells. Clerics who follow her various Im12 (Temporal), Time. Patron of Jalakka,
seasonal aspects gain different powers, as the oldest (and one of the wealthiest) of the
Derelion (Winged Lord, Brother to follows: City-States. His people are tradesmen and
Eagles): Im21 (Celestial), Thought. The merchants, although the City produces and
Spring - any one Cure spell may be welcomes a large number of adventurers -
"younger brother" of Kromus, Derelion is
one of the eldest Immortals to still cast for maximum effect, once per day. who tend to bring in vast quantities of trea-
remember his mortal existence, which he Summer - may cast the Light spell sure, and spend it freely. Lomor is depicted
left behind long before the first of the Lost once per day, starting at 1st level. This as a middle-aged, brown-haired man
Empires were built. Like Kromus, his is in addition to their normal dressed in fine clothes and dripping with
worship comes originally from the region complement of spells. jewels, with a broad, insincere smile on his
that became the Old Countries - he, too, Autumn - may pray for the 1st-level face. In life, Lomor was a powerful Mage,
has a planet named after him - but, unlike Mage spell Sleep as part of the normal born during the time of the Second Empire,
his "brother", Derelion retains most of his complement of spells, starting at 2nd whose adventuring exploits made him fairly
original attributes. Patron of all things that level. wealthy; his genius for trade expanded that
fly, and of those who study the magic of wealth into a vast fortune. Due to clever
Winter - may use a Chilling Touch
Air, Derelion is depicted as being a trade agreements and treaties with other
effect (equivalent to Cause Light City-States, Jalakka has never been
beardless youth with bright, golden hair
Wounds) once per day, starting at 1st attacked successfully, nor has it seen an
and shining white wings. His garb varies
level. The power is ineffective against invading army for over two centuries.
depending on where he is worshipped.
cold-using creatures. This is in addition Clerics of Lomor gain Appraisal as a
Clerics of Derelion are able to
to their normal complement of spells. bonus skill at 1st level.
memorise the Mage-spell Levitate as a
2nd-level Clerical spell. This is part of the Followers of her general "Queen of the
normal complement of spells. In addition, a Seasons" aspect do not receive any of Szthonda (The Burning Dark): Exalted
Cleric of Derelion who chooses to add a these bonus powers; instead, they may Fiend, Entropy. Patron of one of the
Warlock's Brand does not have to sacrifice Turn Undead as if one level higher than Northernmost City-States, Deremond, the
additional Attribute points or hit points to normal. Fiend Szthonda (who resembles a grossly
acquire it - a gift from the former Mage to fat female Goblin with shiny black skin and
his followers - and may advance jointly as Govenai (The Everlord, The Undying, eyes of incandescent white flame) has
a Cleric-Mage. Such duallists, known as The Dark Redeemer): Im14 (Empyreal), ruled over her domain for nearly a century.
"Wind Children", make up roughly 10% of Entropy. Open worship of this evil Immortal Deremond was founded by exiles and
Derelion's clergy. has been banned in most civilised nations, outcasts, driven from their homes into the
but secret cells of his followers have been blasted North. Szthonda was then the
found in most major centres of population "Patron" of a small tribe of kobolds who
The Old Countries dwelt in the frozen lands. Seeing a chance
across Draman. In life, Govenai was a
Varalle (The Lady of Trees, The native of Jerek'Ha, in the Old Countries; he to increase her power on the Prime Plane,
Spring/Summer/Autumn/Winter Queen): was a Master of Brands who grew more Szthonda whispered into their minds and
Im19 (Celestial), Time. One of the most and more afraid of death as he grew older. souls, convincing the outcasts to build a
widespread female Immortals in the Old In a desperate attempt to stave off death, massive obsidian temple to her. Once the
Countries, Varalle is depicted as a he created the Vivicant Brand, which temple was complete, she taught them a
beautiful, Dryad-like figure with leaf-green reanimated him as Herol's first Vampire - ritual which summoned her to inhabit it,
hair and bark-brown skin, dressed in robes an act which earned him the right to seek and has ruled over them ever since. The
dyed in nature's colours. Druids (and the Immortality in the Sphere of Entropy, city, which grew up around the temple, is
woodland-dwelling communities) worship despite his limited "level". Govenai is the bleak and ugly, filled with the dregs of
her as Lady of Trees; her following is patron of his "children", the Vampires (and, humanity, as well as a goodly number of
larger, in some places, than that of Kromus by extension, of all intelligent, corporeal kobold slaves. Szthonda's "priests" are all
(who is variously considered her husband, Undead, although certain types deny any Mages (she cannot grant Clerical spells)
her consort, or her lover by those commun- link to him), as well as those living who serve her directly and oversee the
ities who follow both Immortals). Varalle is followers who seek "immortality" through frequent sacrifices which slowly increase
also worshipped as the Queen of the Undeath. He is depicted as a tall, pale her power - Szthonda's plan is to amass
Seasons, with Clerics serving her either in figure in flame-coloured robes, his chest enough power to eventually reach true
that role or following one seasonal aspect bared to reveal the Vivicant Brand burning Immortal status - as well as acting as her
of her being - a single town might have bright upon it. eyes and ears in the city and beyond;

The World of Herol
Szthonda is bound to the temple proper, completely restricted to the Dwarf if they can take the strain, although certain
and cannot leave without considerable Territories now, with a few thousand Brands preclude the adding of others.
preparation. die-hard followers scattered about the rest Brands detect faintly as magical to a
As noted above, Szthonda has no of the continent. Iroin is depicted as a Detect Magic spell; they can be removed
Clerics, only Mages. The Magi, however, all squat, broad, muscular Dwarf in the prime only by a Dispel Magic cast by a Mage of at
wear Szthonda's Mark (a special, Entropic of life, with his long beard twisted into three least five levels higher than the Brander
Brand provided by the Fiend; it resembles plaits - one black, one red, and one blond - (those created by a Brand-Master being a
a stylised image of the Fiend's own visage, representing the three original Dwarf special case; Dispel Magic at no less than
picked out in black and crimson) upon their subraces. Like Kromus, he does not 12th level is needed to affect a Brand
chests; by calling out an activation-phrase, remember his mortal existence, and is made by such a person), a suitably-worded
they can cause themselves to explode in a believed to have created the Dwarven race Wish, or by physically removing the Brand -
burst of black flame (equivalent to a in his image many thousands of years ago. and the skin it lies beneath - from the body.
Fireball spell, centred on the Mage in Dwarf Clerics of Iroin may learn the The creator of the Brand (only) may dispel
question) which kills the Mage while Forge-Mastery Skill (see below) at 9th the Brand's powers by reversing the
causing severe damage to those around level; they require only two skill slots to original ritual, although this leaves the
him. The more fanatical members of the learn it, rather than the normal three. bearer with a non-magical tattoo.
coven believe that to die this way is to Non-Dwarf Clerics (there are a few) instead
serve Szthonda eternally in the afterlife. gain an additional skill slot at 9th level, to Branding does not come without cost:
allocate at will. the recipient of the Brand must sacrifice a
Galgallan (The Warrior, The Bloody portion of her life-force, or physical/mental
Sword): Im7 (Temporal), Matter. Patron of prowess, to help empower the magic. Each
Al'Sudera, one of the more Southerly Brand-Makers Brand received costs the recipient either
City-States. Galgallan was a warrior one attribute point from their Prime
The designers and appliers of Brands
Sponsored to Immortality by Kromus, Requisite - if there is more than one PR,
fall into two broad categories: Experienced
achieving it less than a century past; his the highest score is used - or 1d4 hp,
spellcasters who have chosen to learn the
first worshippers, a troop of Fighters from deducted permanently from their total
skill, or Masters of Brands, who are trained
the Empire of Jael, conquered Al'Sudera (DM's choice). The only exceptions to this
from childhood in the art.
55 years ago, ousting its resident Patron rule are Attribute Brands (see below),
The former (PC or NPC) must be
and installing Galgallan in her place. which draw 1 point from an opposing
capable of casting 6th-level spells - which
Al'Sudera is geared around its massive Attribute, or Slave Brands, which deduct hp
precludes Mages of less than 11th level, or
warrior-population, who hire out as from the Brand-maker instead.
Clerics/Druids of less than 12th, from
mercenary troops each Summer to bring in Brands fall into certain broad categor-
employing the skill, even though they can
money to the city. Galgallan is depicted ies, outlined below:-
learn it at any time.
much as he was in life; a tall, powerful The latter (NPC only) receive a special
warrior in blood-red armour, wielding a Brand when apprenticed - a black circle on 1) Class-Related Brands.
Greatsword (a two-handed sword) coated the forehead, called an "Overbrand" -
with blood. His hair is red, and stands up in On Herol, the only character class
which allows them to create Brands, but available to the unBranded is Fighter; the
blood-caked spikes. Galgallan's Fighters precludes them from ever taking on a
and Clerics likewise coat their hair with following Brands are required to pursue
character class (DM's option; a Master of other careers.
blood before battle as a homage to their Brands might be able to advance to 5th
Immortal. Incidentally, despite their level as a Mage on the strength of his The Warlock Brand: a crimson
overlapping portfolios, Galgallan's and Overbrand - see the NPC description of 5-pointed star, placed on the right
Kromus' followers have never met in battle Ledendran, below - but no further). cheek. This Brand grants the recipient
- Galgallan deliberately had his
the spellcasting abilities of a 1st-level
worshippers conquer a City as far from
Brands Mage; any spells must be found and
Kromus' City of Ohriman as possible,
learnt separately, however. On Herol,
precisely to avoid such a conflict (which he
Herol's native magic, no matter its this Brand is used to grant Mage-
would be unlikely to win).
source, is tied up in the creation of potential to likely candidates. The
Clerics of Galgallan may use any
magical Brands, tattoos placed on certain recipient has the potential to improve
bladed weapon, without penalty, from 1st
parts of the body, which imparts some form her abilities through training (and the
level. Few, if any, Clerics of this Immortal
of power to the Branded being. The acquisition of experience points), as
are known to use blunt weapons.
process of Branding is akin to the per a normal Mage; if a 0-level human,
tattooist's art; it requires special dyes, she will progress normally as a Mage. If
Others created using expensive and difficult- the recipient is already trained in anoth-
Iroin (Earth Father, Masterminer): Im28 to-obtain ingredients, and a fine needle of er Class, however, she has the potent-
(Eternal), Matter. The chief Immortal of the solid gold to prick the skin and implant the ial to become split-classed; to progress
native Dwarf population, Iroin was once the dye beneath it. Once the tattoo is in place, as a Mage, she must donate all XP
most widely followed Immortal on the an extensive ritual (equivalent to a 6th-level received in any particular adventure
continent, before the population explosion spell, and memorised in a suitable slot - into the Mage-class. No split-class
of Humanity over the last few thousand each different Brand requires a separate character can progress in both classes
years drove his most faithful worshippers to ritual, which must be taught or researched) at the same time, although she can
the inhospitable reaches of north-eastern is performed to enchant the Brand. An alternate freely. Receipt of the Brand
Draman. Iroin's worship is almost individual can bear any number of Brands, also permits usage of Mage-specific
magical items as if a Mage of that level.

The World of Herol
The Priest Brand: a silver-grey birdlike placed on the base of the spine and left why it is only suitable for NPCs),
shape, placed on the left cheek. This buttock. Grants the ability to Climb although a Brand-Master can reach the
Brand grants the recipient the Turning Walls as a 1st-level Thief. equivalent of a 5th-level Mage on the
powers of a 1st-level Cleric. As per the strength of this Brand.
The Lockpick Brand: a thin,
Warlock Brand, above, the recipient
curiously-uneven black mark along the
may advance as a split-class; however,
underside of the right index-finger. 2) Brands granting unique
he must ally with an Immortal or Ethos abilities or skills.
Grants the ability to Detect/Remove
to do so - the initial Turning power is
Traps as a 1st-level Thief.
fuelled by the Brand itself. The Priest While most skills may be learnt the
Brand allows the recipient to use The Brand of Silent Tread: a black normal way, certain Brands circumvent the
Cleric-specific magical items, unless cat's-head silhouette, placed on the top normal learning process, providing the
they are restricted to Clerics of of the right foot. Grants the ability to ability without the need for training. In
particular Immortals. Move Silently as a 1st-level Thief. addition, certain special powers may be
granted through the application of a Brand.
The Druid Brand: a brown, treelike
silhouette, covering mouth, nose and JW The Brand of Prophecy: a pair of blue
eyes. This Brand grants the recipient zigzags covering the lips. This Brand
the powers of a 1st-level Druid, grants the ability to perceive the future,
functioning as per the Priest Brand both in dreams and visions. The power
above; however, 1st-level Druids is not under the recipient's control,
cannot Turn Undead, so the only however, and occurs randomly (i.e. at
immediate advantage is the use of the DM's convenience). Prophets on
Druidic items. To advance, the Druid Herol are highly regarded for the most
must ally with a suitable Immortal - part, often taking positions of great
Merelith and Varalle are the usual importance amongst their people. In
choices - or bond with a living forest as the Empire of Jael, citizens will often
its guardian (not advisable for consult a Seer before embarking on
adventuring druids, as forest guardians any important task; in the Old Count-
cannot leave their forest). ries, wandering Wisefolk are treated
with reverence whenever they visit.
The Thief Suite - there is no single
The Beastmaster Brand: a dun-brown
Brand which provides the range of skills
attributed to Thieves; those who wish to representation of a curved animal horn,
acquire those skills must pick and choose placed over the left eyebrow. This
from the following selection. To improve in Brand grants the knowledge and skills
these skills, the Branded person must of Animal Empathy and Animal Training
allocate portions of his earned XP to the to the recipient, but only for one
relevant Brands. The Thief Suite Brands particular type of beast (horse, dog,
have their own advancement table, which etc). A second such Brand may be
is equal to roughly 15-20% of the normal placed over the right eyebrow if
Beastmaster brand desired, to grant Skill with another
"Thief" experience requirements for each
Brand. The bearer can choose which Bra- beast type, but two is the limit. This
nds to improve, and which to leave undev- The Trumpet Brand: a cornet-shaped Brand usually grants Skill with normal
eloped, at the end of each adventure. black mark, placed on the neck just domestic animals, although wild beasts
behind the left ear. Grants the ability to or even magical creatures (DM's
The Moon-Touched Brand: a black Hear Noise with the same chances as decision) might be possible.
crescent moon, placed on the a 1st-level Thief. The Tale-Weaver's Brand: a
forehead. This Brand grants the
recipient the ability to Hide in Shadows red-orange representation of a leaping
with the same chances, initially, as a NB: Because of the high cost in HP or flame, placed on the palm of the left
1st-level Thief. attribute points, few Fighter-Thieves hand. Tale-Weavers - men and women
acquire the entire Thief Suite; who make there living as wandering
The Hands-in-Shadow Brand: a black consequently, the abilities of this storytellers and historians - are regular
silhouette of a grasping hand, placed sub-class vary widely. and much-anticipated visitors to the
on the underside of the left wrist. villages and hamlets of the Old
Grants the ability to Pick Pockets as a Countries; where the majority of the
1st-level Thief. The Overbrand: a 2"-wide black circle, populace are illiterate, such people are
placed on the forehead. This is the the primary source of historical
The Night-Slayer's Brand: a black Brand worn by a Master of Brands (an information, cautionary tales, and also
dagger, placed on the underside of the NPC Brand-maker). It provides the gossip. This brand allows the
right wrist. Grants the ability to ability to create and apply Brands Tale-Weaver to manipulate flame - a
Backstab, with the same chances as a without first having to be able to cast campfire, or a log fire in an inn - and
1st-level Thief. 6th-level spells. Application of the create images which illustrate the
Overbrand prevents the bearer from stories he tells. An experienced
The Monkey Brand: a black spiral -
pursuing a character class (which is Tale-Weaver can utilise this Brand to
reminiscent of a curled monkey's tail -

The World of Herol
make fires flare up or die down, or even Brand of Recovery: a dark grey with the notable addition that he or she
to light or extinguish small chain-link design, circling the bearer's will actually kill, or lay down his/her own
(candle-sized) flames. The Brand is of neck. This rare, powerful Brand life, if so ordered. Permanently
little help in combat, however. provides the bearer with the powers of enslaving others in this way is frowned
a Ring of Regeneration, allowing her to upon by many Heroli; it might even be
The Vivicant Brand: see Undead, in
automatically 1hp of damage per Turn. considered an Evil act (DM's decision).
the "Monsters" section, for details of
In addition, the Brand makes the
this family of Brands.
bearer immune to a Ghoul's paralysing 4) Potency Brands.
touch, and provides a limited degree of
3) Spell-related Brands. Only one example-group of these is
protection from the ageing effects of
known:-
Unlike the Warlock, Priest and Druid some Undead - a flat 35% chance to
Brands, above, these provide specific ignore the attack completely (normal Attribute Brands: simple circles of
spell-effects, spell-using capabilities, or saving throws apply if this fails). The different colours, representing each of
magic item talents to the bearer. bearer cannot use this Brand to resist the Attributes, placed on various parts
natural ageing, however. Few Brand of the body (the palm of the hand for
Brands of Holding: appearance and Masters can reproduce this design Strength, for example, or the forehead
location vary, but usually a complex now, although it was almost common a for Intelligence). These boost the level
geometrical design. These function in few hundred years ago. of the chosen Attribute by one;
the same manner as Rings of Spell unfortunately, as noted above, any
Storing; they are designed to hold a Slave Brands: These are such gain will require the sacrifice of
single Magical or Clerical/Druidic spell individually-designed sigils, created by one point from another Attribute. No
of a certain level - the higher the level, each Brand Master for his or her own Attribute can ever be raised by more
the more complex the pattern. Most use; they are placed on the subject's than one point, using this method.
such Brands may hold any spell of the chest. The Brand Master must first Should the Brand be Dispelled or
requisite level, which may be cast into place a Master Sigil on her own chest, destroyed, the raised Attribute reverts
the Brand by a suitable spellcaster. twice the size of the Slave Brand, and to its former level; however, the
This remains until cast by the will of the costing one Intelligence point. sacrificed point is not regained.
bearer. A few of these Brands have Thereafter, each Slave Brand costs
spell-regeneration capabilities; they the Brand Master (not the Branded The above selection are only a small
hold only one, unchangeable spell, target) 1d4 hp from her permanent sample of the thousands of possible
which recharges itself for reuse after a total. The unfortunate recipient of the Brands; DMs are encouraged to create
certain period of time has elapsed Slave Brand obeys the Master as if their own, as are PCs (with the prior
(usually 24 - 48 hours). Charmed, approval of the DM, of course). !
range). Virindi was found unconscious by a

Compendium of group of adventurers and taken back up to Street of a Thousand
Characters the surface. Taking him to a local tribe Adventures
... Continued from page 3 of elves, they left him to make their way. ... Continued from page 6
The Elves recognized the mistake at once,
but it was too late. When he recovered,
#
Martigan herself may become a signifi-

Virindi Virindi attempted to find his way back to his cant NPC, too. Originally from Ierendi, she
people, but failed. Resigned to a life on the adventured for almost 50 years (thanks to
3rd level Neutral Elf surface, he now has one desire to find several potions of longevity) before decid-
and kill the adventures who took him from ing to settle down and help those who, co-
Str: 12, Dex: 13, Con: 8, Int: 16, Wis: 13, his people. Virindi is single-minded about mparatively speaking, are just starting out.
Cha: 10, HP: 12, AC: 4, Normal Sword +1 his desire, and is ruthless when it comes to She is a powerful magic user (at least 20th
Ethereality, Chain Mail Armour, Dark-tinted his 'quest'. He knows nothing about the level) who prefers to keep a low profile and
Glasses. Spells: Light, Detect Magic, Web surface world, and cares even less he take the time to enjoy life, but she will try to
makes no effort to fit in, simply is. Arrogant conceal the true extent of her powers if at
Virindi's tribe of Elves have lived even for an Elf, he has a tendency to all possible. As such, she could become a
underground for millennia, ever since the infuriate people with his stubbornness. In a valuable resource person for the PCs.
Sundering, when their forest collapsed into fight, though, he is a devil, and underneath #
All of this, however, is dependent upon

the earth. His people have been isolated his exterior he is a loyal companion. The whether or not they get along with the other
since then, with only legends about the PC's could meet up with him at any time, patrons, and behave appropriately. PCs
surface world. They have changed subtly to and join him either in tracking down his who come off as being boorish, or
fit in with their subterranean existence 'enemies' (with a moral dilemma when they threatening, may very well be attacked later
their eyes are sensitive to light now, and find out the truth) or in a return to the on by irate patrons, once they are on the
they have better infravision (double normal caves, in an attempt to find his people. !
road again. !
Issue 9 - February 2003 OD&DITIES " The Original D&D Fanzine 27

OD&DITIES
Combat sans Matrix

First Strike ... Continued from page 17
How to get the jump on initiative rolls in OD&D Combat 1 D&D co-author Dave Arneson's website
... Continued from page 5 (http://castleblackmoor.com) notes that the
original combat rules were inspired by some
Human Fighter, as above, drinking a
potion:IR = +0 [+0 (Medium attacker)
Conclusion naval combat game wherein lower numbers
represented better armour, but this scant
+1 (DEX adj.) -1 (magic item use) = +0] Admittedly, this system of explanation still does nothing to justify the
determining combat initiative does require origin of this obtuse convention. Apparently,
Human Magic-User with DEX 16 a bit more bookkeeping than the method someone at sometime thought this made
casting magic missile:IR = +1 [+0 described in the official rules. However, perfect sense; lacking clear evidence as to
with some use, the Initiative Rating why, I am open to further enlightenment on
(Medium attacker) +2 (DEX adj.) -1
this point.
(1st-level spell) = +1] modifiers for various attackers and their
2 Rules Cyclopedia, 1991, TSR, Inc.
combat actions becomes easy to
3 The Body Locations column indicates which
Human Magic-User, as above, casting calculate. The end result is a more
of the wearer's body parts the armour covers;
Wall of Fire from a spell scroll: IR = -3 realistic mode of initiative resolution, with
this has no game effect and is used simply to
[+0 (Medium attacker) +2 (DEX adj.) -4 the added benefit of garnering a clearer provide some aid to visualisation.
(4th-level spell) -1(magic item use) = -3] view of exactly what happens during a 4 Druids, if allowed in the campaign, use the
fight, and when. If you're looking to inject base THMod values of a cleric of equal level.
Ogre warrior with DEX 8 and Expert a bit more tension into OD&D combat, I 5 Mystics, if allowed in the campaign, use the
mastery in the long bow:IR = -5 [-2 encourage you to give this initiative base THMod values of a fighter up to
(Large attacker) -1 (DEX adj.) +1 method a tryyou may be surprised to 16th-level.
(Expert mastery) -3 (weapon size) = -5] see who gets the first strike. 6 Point Blank range is considered within
$
short range of a missile (e.g., a hand axe

Troll with average Dexterity:IR = -3 [-3 (range: 10/20/30) has a point blank range of
(Large attacker) +0 (DEX adj.) = -3] 5. Short range is from 6-10; medium and long
ranges are unaffected) $
OD DITIES
Issue 9 - February 2003
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Od&amp;Dities #09

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Issue 9 - February 2002 OD&DITIES The Original D&D Fanzine 29

Getting Started ................................................................... 3

Compendium of Characters ............................................ 3 OD DITIES

I know that now "new" players wants only

Letters to the Editor

Issue 9 - February 2003 OD&DITIES The Original D&D Fanzine 2

thread throughout other adventures, either

been the leader of his tribe. However, the

Compendium local witch doctor despised him, and

of Characters over the side of the boat, and barely

Issue 9 - February 2003 OD&DITIES The Original D&D Fanzine 3

Issue 9 - February 2003 OD&DITIES  The Original D&D Fanzine 4

combatant may move up to his encounter

jump on initiative rolls Initiative Rating

Issue 9 - February 2003 OD&DITIES  The Original D&D Fanzine 5

Street of a Thousand Adventures:

artigans est Geoff Gander

Issue 9 - February 2003 OD&DITIES The Original D&D Fanzine 6

Some Enchanted Item

effect). While the PCs are hunting for

Issue 9 - February 2003 OD&DITIES The Original D&D Fanzine 7

Introduction by Ciro Alessandro Sacco

Introduction by Gary Gygax

Introduction by Richard Tongue

Issue 9 - February 2003 OD&DITIES The Original D&D Fanzine 8

Issue 9 - February 2003 OD&DITIES The Original D&D Fanzine 9

Issue 9 - February 2003 OD&DITIES  The Original D&D Fanzine 10

Issue 9 - February 2003 OD&DITIES  The Original D&D Fanzine 11

Issue 9 - February 2003 OD&DITIES  The Original D&D Fanzine 12

memory permits, the following: "We would

face. What an opportunity, I thought. Then

Shineberg that I would relate Universal's

Issue 9 - February 2003 OD&DITIES  The Original D&D Fanzine 13

Issue 9 - February 2003 OD&DITIES  The Original D&D Fanzine 14

AC values. This requires alteration, since

Issue 9 - February 2003 OD&DITIES  The Original D&D Fanzine 15

Issue 9 - February 2003 OD&DITIES  The Original D&D Fanzine 16

= +3 [+3 (4th-level fighter) +2 (Skilled

Issue 9 - February 2003 OD&DITIES  The Original D&D Fanzine 17

A new campaign world for OD&D, in two parts

Issue 9 - February 2003 OD&DITIES  The Original D&D Fanzine 18

Issue 9 - February 2003 OD&DITIES  The Original D&D Fanzine 19

cataclysm, and those that do are mostly

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range). Virindi was found unconscious by a

Martigan herself may become a signifi-

All of this, however, is dependent upon

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Combat sans Matrix

short range of a missile (e.g., a hand axe

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Das könnte Ihnen auch gefallen

Od&Dities #09

Od&Dities #09

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artigans est Geoff Gander

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